1) What role did the National, State and Local Governments have in preventing, mitigating and reacting to Hurricane Katrina?
The National, State, and Local government couldn’t prevent the Hurricane, however, the National government, in the past had preformed a simulation hurricane like Katrina called Pam. They ended up cutting pam because it cost too much money, but still had a plan nevertheless. The State governments demanded standards and had, in the past, asked for troops to be brought in for help. I feel that the local government didn’t do anything to mitigate or react to hurricane Katrina because they relied mostly on the State and National government.
2) Evaluate how each level of government performed its duties. Be specific and back up your points with facts and logic.
The National government preformed it’s duties by earlier in the year sending states in need 8.1 million dollars for communication problems so the local and state government could keep in touch, however the local and state governments spent it on items they didn’t really need such as new items for their city. The State government didn’t really preform any duties, the most they did was ask for troops. The Local government preformed it’s duties by urgently asking the National government for aid.
3) After reading the "FEMA and federalism" article, take a stand about the role of the federal government in natural disasters.
I believe that The National government hasn’t put in as much effort, into fixing FEMA, as they could. As the article said, “congress should help FEMA prepare for catastrophes, not just emergencies, and look for what causes major disasters.” President Jimmy Carter created FEMA to provide federal aid after local disasters; I believe it’s up to the National government to help out with major catastrophes. FEMA worked well during President Carter and Clinton’s term, however, during the presidency of George W. Bush, Bush cut FEMA down to a small branch of the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s activity soon tripled as the staff was reduced by 20%. FEMA lacked preparation and funds for one of the biggest catastrophic events America has ever experienced, Hurricane Katrina. FEMA has spent most of its money and time on the latest routine disasters. I think the National government should help fix FEMA quicker and help them focus on major catastrophes rather than smaller disasters.