1. In federal systems, citizens have a role in both national and state governments. They can vote for representatives at both levels, which allows them to influence decisions locally and nationally. For example, citizens can vote for lower-class representatives such as councilmen but also participate in national elections such as the presidency. In confederation systems, the central government has limited power. The states retain most of the authority and the national government often has little direct influence on citizen’s daily lives. In unitary systems, the central government holds most of the power. Citizens mainly interact with local governments, which are often created and controlled by the central government. Local representatives have less independence, and the national government decides many key policies for the state. 
  2. The division of power means that government authority is shared among different levels. In the United States, this includes division between the three branches; executive, legislative, and judicial. Power is also divided between the national government and the states. Each level has its separate responsibilities. This setup allows for a balance of power, where both levels can work independently but also cooperate when necessary.
  3. The federal government shapes local and state governments by providing funding and guidelines allocated to designated areas of concern. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government influenced the actions of New York State and local governments in several ways. Some examples include social distancing, mask mandates, vaccine mandates, and quarantine guidelines. Because COVID-19 was seen as a national threat, the federal government had the authority to do what it saw fit to contain the threat. Federal funding also played a significant role. The government allocated funds to states that provided financial support to help states manage the pandemic’s impact.

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