ESSAY TOPIC FEDERALISM
Essay Questions: Your final work product will be a coherent essay (introduction, body paragraph and conclusion) addressing each of the following questions using the video, scholarly sources and supplemental sources for current events:
1. Why did the communication system break down hours after Hurricane Katrina?
2. How is the issue of “interoperability” dangerous to the concept of federalism and our entire system of government?
3. What was the purpose of the Hurricane Pam exercise? List at least 3 reasons why was it unsuccessful? What lessons could have been learned, had it been completed?
4. Discuss some of the criticisms of FEMA over the years?
5. How did history play a role in the mismanagement of the crisis in New Orleans?
6. How can the core problems within FEMA be addressed as America moves forward?
7. Who is the current director of FEMA? Is this person qualified for the position?
8. Research some of the criticisms of President George W. Bush’s initial response to Hurricane Katrina? Were those criticisms justified after seeing this video? Why or why not?
9. Discuss what some experts feel can be done differently next time? This requires additional research.
10. What are the overall lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina?