Constitutional INSIGHT #7 - "How Federations Responded to Covid-19"

The existence of two levels of government, each with their own constitutional powers and democratic accountability, shaped the responses of federal countries to the pandemic. Constitutional INSIGHTS No. 7 examines lessons learned from about the purposes, design and operation of federations over the course of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features and challenges of federal systems are considered, including the division and allocation of powers and fiscal resources; collaboration and cooperation between levels of government; and the challenges of democratic accountability.  Drawing on lessons from across Asia and the Pacific, the INSIGHTS highlights that observing how federations responded to the pandemic can usefully guide future design choices for federal systems worldwide.