Summary

The Primary Differences in Citizen Roles in Government
1. Federal System: In a federal system, citizens engage with multiple levels of government—national, state, and local. Each level has distinct powers and responsibilities, allowing citizens to influence policy at various levels. Citizens can participate in elections for federal representatives, state officials, and local leaders.
-Confederation: In a confederation, the central authority is weak, and the constituent states hold most of the power. Citizens primarily engage with their state governments, which can lead to variations in policy and rights across different regions. The central government often has limited influence over citizens' lives.
-Unitary System: In a unitary system, power is concentrated in a central government, with local governments operating under its authority. Citizens typically interact with local officials who implement national policies, but their ability to influence the central government is limited compared to federal or confederate systems.

2.The division of power refers to the distribution of authority and responsibilities among different levels of government. In a federal system, this division is constitutionally established, allowing states to exercise powers independently, while still adhering to national laws. This creates a balance where both levels can legislate, govern, and provide services, though tensions can arise over jurisdiction and authority.

3.Federal Government Influence on State and Local Actions During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government significantly influenced the actions of New York state and local government
Guidelines and Funding: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines on public health measures, which many states, including New York, adopted.
Emergency Powers The federal government declared a national emergency, allowing states to access federal resources more readily. In New York, this meant utilizing federal assistance for healthcare, testing, and vaccination efforts. In New York, this collaboration involved sharing data on infections and vaccine distribution, ensuring that state strategies aligned with federal priorities. Overall, while states retained considerable autonomy in their response strategies, the federal government's guidelines, funding, and coordination were crucial in shaping New York's actions throughout the pandemic.