Follow the news related to American government response to the COVID-19 out break in the U.S. Consider the relationship between the U.S. National Government, State Government and Local Government, as we discussed related to the "Marble Cake" of Federalism. Review material from the two course textbooks and news reports (see suggested sources listed below). (In addition to the Governing California textbook you are currently reading from the syllabus assignments, review earlier readings from We the People, Chapter 3 on Federalism, with emphasis on the Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake), Figure 3.2 on page 81.
The COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. has posed significant challenges and required the coordination and cooperation of the U.S. National Government, State Governments, and Local Governments. The concept of cooperative federalism, often referred to as the "Marble Cake" model, emphasizes the sharing of power and responsibilities between different levels of government.
According to We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, cooperative federalism involves the national, state, and local governments working together to solve common problems. This model of federalism is characterized by intergovernmental cooperation and shared resources in policy-making and service delivery.
In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. National Government has taken the lead in implementing nationwide strategies and policies to address the pandemic. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020, which activated the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate responses and provide resources to states and localities.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has played a crucial role in providing guidance and scientific expertise to all levels of government. The CDC has issued guidelines on testing, social distancing, and other containment measures.
State Governments, on the other hand, have the primary responsibility for public health and safety within their jurisdictions. They have enacted various measures to respond to the outbreak, including implementing stay-at-home orders, closing non-essential businesses, and ramping up testing and contact tracing efforts. The approaches taken by states have varied, reflecting their unique circumstances and challenges.
Local Governments, such as city and county governments, have played a vital role in implementing and enforcing state and national guidelines. They have been responsible for enforcing social distancing measures, managing public spaces, and communicating with the public. Local governments have also provided essential services, such as healthcare facilities and emergency response teams.
The relationship between the U.S. National Government, State Governments, and Local Governments in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak has been a dynamic and evolving one. While the federal government has provided overall guidance and support, the states and localities have had the flexibility to tailor their responses based on their specific needs and circumstances. This cooperative approach has allowed for a more effective and coordinated response to the crisis.
Sources:
- Ginsberg, L., et al. (2019). "We the People: An Introduction to American Politics." Ninth Edition. Norton.
- "Governing California: Politics, Government, and Public Policy in the Golden State." Second edition. Norton.
- News reports from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and NPR.