2. The system of division of power was put in place in order for our nation to have a “strong and fair” government. This government would protect national freedom and would not abuse its own power. An example of division of power being used to keep our nation fair is the use of federalism within our government. Federalism is a institutional arrangement that establishes two levels of government. All federal systems establish two levels of government, one level is responsible for matters regarding the country as a whole, such as defending the nation against foreign threats. The second level are subnational (state) governments that are responsible for matters that lie within their specific regions. These matters include administering education, health care, public safety and other public services. These system allows for the government to focus on the citizens of the nation and to be elected by them.

3. The federal government shapes the actions of state and local governments because the laws the federal government sets in place has to be enforced at a state and local level to ensure that the law is effective. For example, if there is a federal law saying how much marijuana a person can have before it is considered a legal amount, a police officer within a state may enforce that law by arresting someone who exceeds the amount that the federal government put in place.