1. In federal systems, power is balanced between a central authority and regional governments, both of which engage with citizens and can legislate on specific issues. Confederations place more power at the regional level, with the central authority often needing agreement from the members for major decisions. In contrast, unitary systems concentrate authority centrally, and local administrations primarily execute national directives.

2. Division of power refers to how responsibilities are split in a federal system. For instance, the federal government in the U.S. handles national defense and currency issues, while states manage education and public safety. Some responsibilities, like taxation and infrastructure, are shared to ensure efficiency and unity.

3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. federal government influenced states like New York by providing guidelines through agencies such as the CDC and financial support. This federal involvement guided New York’s approach to lockdowns, testing, and resource management, helping to coordinate responses to the pandemic’s challenges.