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I have been wondering for a while what the legal mechanism for shutting down businesses in the US actually is. I'm not being snarky, I just literally don't unde

I have been wondering for a while what the legal mechanism for shutting down businesses in the US actually is. I'm not being snarky, I just literally don't understand the legal mechanism. Prior to this crisis I would not have thought shutting down businesses at large scale would be possible without legislation. But I haven't heard of much legislative proceedings. Have governor's and local officials always had very broad powers over people and businesses, they just never used it at scale until the pandemic? I understand if there is a disaster and you can't convene the legislature fast enough to respond, and you need 72 hours of time to let the legislature come together (for example an earthquake or terrorist event). But there has been plenty of time now for our normal legislative process to resume. Does this have to do with an emergency declaration? Is there a limit to how long an emergency can be declared (like 60 days of a year)?

catalogia 6y ago
The CDC and/or FEMA having emergency powers during pandemics beyond what might be expected was something of a sci-fi trope for years. I guess there was some kernel of truth to that premise. Example from the sci-fi game Deus Ex: > Informed Guard: Executive Order 10990. It lets us take over all modes of transportation. > New Guard: FEMA can do that? > Informed Guard: If the President declares an emergency. Executive Order 10995. We can take over the media. > New Guard: All of it? > Informed Guard: Any at all. Executive Order 10997. We can take command of natural resources. > New Guard: So it's all legal. > Informed Guard: The National Security Act also falls under our umbrella. And the Defense Production Act. If he plays his cards right, Walton Simons can pull off a bloodless coup.