1. What is Federalism?
The term federalism is derived from the Latin root foedus, which means "formal agreement or covenant." It includes the interrelationships between the states as well as between the states and the federal government (Federalism, 2008).
Federalism is a principle of government that defines the relationship between the central government at the national level and its constituent units at the regional, state, or local levels. Under this principle of government, power and authority is allocated between the national and local governmental units, such that each unit is delegated a sphere of power and authority only it can exercise, while other powers must be shared (Federalism, 2008).
The United States government functions according to the principles of federalism (staff, 2016).
2. How does Federalism apply to public safety (specifically emergency management and homeland security) agencies?
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Each state decides for itself the precise delineation of authorities and responsibilities for emergency response between statewide and local public bodies (e.g., municipalities and counties). The common planning assumption is that communities need to manage a local emergency largely by themselves for up to 72 hours until substantial federal assistance can be mobilized and deployed on the scene (James Jay Carafano, 2006).
Actions the local government takes when a disaster occurs (State Disaster Management Course – IS 208, 3.2):
• Provides the initial emergency response through its service agencies.
• Activates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
• Coordinates the response with public and private organizations.
• Notifies State emergency management of the scope of the situation.
• Activates mutual aid.
• Proclaims a local state of emergency.
• Requests assistance from the