Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

4-2020

Keywords

COVID-19, policy response, redundancies, democracy, authoritarian, federalism overlapping jurisdictions, institutions

Abstract

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic represents an existential threat to societies around the world. There has been considerable variation in both rhetoric and policy responses among the many national governments. This piece explains how democratic institutions, in particular federalism, can impact the speed and degree of policy responses protecting citizens, even when national leaders share similar public rhetoric that is non-conducive to speedy policy response. Comparing the policies of United States and United Kingdom with the backdrop of their national leaders’ public stances, we argue that having multiple decision points due to the redundancy inherent in federalism increases the chances that a citizen will receive the “correct” policy, even when policy-makers at some levels of government put forth “wrong” policy responses. However, in unitary government, society must rely on the central leader to determine the “correct” policy as sub-national policy-makers are constrained by institutions in their ability to respond. That, due to inherent error probability, delays policy response.

Comments

BU Disclaimer Draft to Accompany Research Results

Binghamton University is involved in multiple COVID-19-related research projects and is sharing information derived therefrom on an expedited basis for the public benefit in an effort to address urgent needs during the current health crisis. All of the work, designs, methods, prototypes, information, and data contained herein (the “Content”) has not been subjected to scientific or governmental regulatory review and is being made available on an as-is, with all faults basis. The University makes no warranties or representations of any kind (express or implied) relating to the Content, including without limitation as to the accuracy, safety, usefulness, usability, marketability, performance, or compliant nature thereof, and expressly disclaims all such warranties and representations, including without limitation all warranties of title, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Individuals or entities using or attempting to use the Content in any way, including to create or offer products or services based on or incorporating the same, assume all risk and responsibility arising from such use or attempted use, including as it relates to legal and regulatory compliance, safety, efficacy, performance, design, marketability, title, infringement of third-party rights, and quality.

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