Abstract

This activity, “Outbreak! Responding to a Influenza Pandemic,” examines the concepts of federalism and dual sovereignty through the lens of a state governor, responding to the outbreak of a novel, and highly deadly, influenza virus. In your role as governor, you will:

1. Sign a relief bill get relief for your people, while respecting state and federal sovereignty;
2. Cooperate with the federal government to acquire and distribute aid to your constituents; and
3. Implement public health and safety policies for the state, when a resurgence threatens economic reopening.

Learning Goals

After reading the text and completing this exercise, you will be able to:

• Describe the source, extent, and limitations of federal and state sovereignty;
• Articulate how federal grant funds work, and the roles of state and federal government in their distribution;
• Explain how federal and state authorities work together to resolve public health crises.