Federalism in Action

02.08 Federalism

Federalism in Action

Part One: The Storm

"The Storm: Chaos and Tragedy"

According to Frontline, what problems were caused by the following groups:

The Local and state officials? The inability to enforce laws from the federal level uniformly throughout counties.

The U.S. military? Experienced many problems because with no previous experience in emergency management

FEMA? Experienced many problems because with no previous experience in emergency management

The Government? Didn't make it a main priority right away

2. Why was the Louisiana National Guard unable to help?

The Louisiana National Guard's Headquarter was flooded by Katrina, the communications center was destroyed and all of the equipment located at the Headquarter was either destroyed or made inaccessible.

3. Why were rescue efforts hampered in the first 24 hours?

Governor Blanco apparently didn't understand the city was flooded, even though we could all see it on TV. All communications in the greater New Orleans area were knocked out by the storm so official requests for aid probably were not being communicated. However, all of the networks were showing the city under water.

4. What were the Mayor's responsibilities prior to the hurricane?

The Mayor's responsibility prior to the hurricane was to protect the people from it and evacuate them.

5. Where were state and local officials during the aftermath of Katrina? Why was this a problem?

I believe that they told people to try to help as much as they can to the ones that lost their houses.

6. What were the critics pointing out as trouble with the governor of Louisiana?

Disaster response authority at the time of Katrina was entirely in the hands of the state Governors - NOT the federal government. Governor Blanco apparently became completely ineffective for at least the first 72 to 96 hours after the disaster.

7. According to then-FEMA director Michael Brown, when does FEMA take over for state and local governments?

The FEMA doesn't really take over for the state and local government.

8. What were the complaints of local and state officials against FEMA?

The state and local didn't really want FEMA to do anything. They can't do anything until the state says they can.

9. How many days did it take for the government, under President George W. Bush, to acknowledge they were late and inadequate in its response?

It took about 6 days

"The Storm: What Went Wrong in New Orleans":

10. After reading the interview excerpts from the federal, state, and local officials, what do you feel went wrong in New Orleans?

Review Questions:

11. Evaluate and discuss the challenges for each level of government. Which level faced the greatest challenges?

12. What lessons do you think were learned as a result of Hurricane Katrina?

13. After reviewing the problems caused, what type of assistance should the citizens of New Orleans have expected from the federal