In 600 words with references:

1. What is the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government? Who or what agencies are involved in the separation of powers and checks and balances? Does this have any impact on the practice of emergency management? (Don't just think about the federal level, by the way.)

2. It is often said that, "Like politics, all disasters are local." The U.S. Constitution does not mention local governments, which are created by and given their authorities by the state in which they sit. Describe the relationship among the local, state, and federal levels of government. What does this mean for emergency management? 

Include examples to illustrate your points, and include reference citations to sources in APA Style.