The state of emergency is a legal term that allows the government to put through policies that it would not normally be allowed to, for the safety and security of its citizens. It can be triggered by natural disasters, civil unrest or armed conflict, public health crises like disease outbreaks, and also by certain kinds of political situations. Whether it is for a specific event or to manage an ongoing crisis, a state of emergency gives the government privileges that can be very sweeping in scope, removing some traditional checks and balances on the executive branch.
States of emergency are usually declared by a governor, mayor or the governing body of a locality, but can be initiated at the national level as well. The declaration usually outlines the geographical area covered and can include a list of prohibitions and restrictions that are to be applied, including curfews or limiting where people may travel and gather.
The President has a broad range of powers during a state of emergency, and he can order the federal government to assist a state. This includes dispatching federal personnel, helping with logistics, and easing some regulatory requirements for organizations and individuals. He can also bypass constitutional rights, such as freedom of assembly and protest, allowing police to use force without question. This allows the regime to respond rapidly to a crisis that could otherwise have a much wider impact. Dictatorships often declare states of emergency to justify their repressive actions. Democracies can also employ them to deal with extreme weather events, mass civil unrest or public order issues.
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