1.In federalism, authority is divided between two levels of government, the national, and state government, but their power is derived from the people. So, in this system of government, the people choose their representatives in governmental positions on both levels of the government to act on their behalf and protect their ideas and interest, and the citizens do so by voting. In the unitary system, the citizens have no role since the power in all centralized in the national government. The citizens have no representation as every decision is made by the national government, so they have little to no say in law making, or the running of the country. In the confederation system, citizens also have power and have more role because power is centralized in the states. The states have more power in confederate system of government, so when the citizens elect its officials, their interest are well protected because the national government cannot interfere.

2.  Division of power is how authority are divided among the different levels of government, and its purpose is to make sure that one part of government does not become too powerful, and that they can each check and balance each other. The constitution created this division by giving each level of government their different duties, the federal government has its powers, and duties like declaring war, and the state government has its own powers, and duties like regulating intrastate commence.

3. During Covid-19, the federal government directed the states on what to do from time to time, like reopening parts of the economy, the states had to abide by it, but this was an issue for the then NY state Governor Cuomo,  because the federal government was asking the states to do things but provided no support. The Governor reiterated his call for the federal government to provide unrestricted funding to the states to help stabilize the economy and allow the states to perform reopening functions. The federal government has passed three bills to address this crisis, including the federal CARES Act, all of which contained zero funding to offset drastic state revenue shortfalls, but still the federal government put the responsibility of reopening the economy on the states.

1.The role of citizens in the government is crucial the citizens are deeply entangled in our constitution. One of the major roles of a citizen is to obey the laws. The laws are in place in order to protect the citizens from harm and promote equality. Citizens are required to pay taxes which are used to operate the government and provide services back to the people. Citizens are also required to defend the nation in case of aggression. And aside from these duties, citizens are also given responsibilities including the right to be informed and educated and participate in government by exercising the right to vote and respect the opinion of others. These roles are all common in the federal, confederation, and unitary systems and have almost no difference at all except in the voting process of the federal government. The federal government officials are elected by the electoral college and the members of the electoral college are voted by the citizens.

2.Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power

The division of power is in place to put ensure that no sole office in the government will hold too much power. This is a safeguard placed to prevent a government official to wield too much power and being given a chance to abuse and exploit the position. The division of power is placed to have the three main branches of government in a system of checks and balances.  

3. The federal government is supposed to be overlooking matters that are too big for state governments to handle even if it is within their jurisdiction. The federal government acts as a supplemental government to the state and local governments. The federal government’s actions, or lack thereof, have prompted the state government to mandate that hospitals stretch out their resources to accommodate the sudden surge of infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens in government, among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems.

In the federal government citizens have the right to participate in their government by registering to vote and voting in elections. As for confederation do have a role in the government on the democratic process. In a unitary system they have the responsibilities and powers of government tend to be fairly clear-cut. 

2. Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power.

I understand division of power as power that is being divided between the government. With this structure it helps and stays on top of how the government works. And one wouldn’t have too much power than another. 

3. How does the federal government shape the actions of state and local governments? Write your answer based on doing a bit of research on how the federal government has influenced the actions of NY state and local governments, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal government had major influence on the actions that’s going on during covid 19 pandemic. Federal government was the one who basically put their foot down. Helping to make sure the state was going on lockdown for the appropriate amount of time. Giving residents simply of covid test to make sure they are being properly tested. And even providing quarantine sites so one family member who is positive doesn’t get the other family members tested positive.

1. Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens in government, among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems.
2. Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power.
3. How does the federal government shape the actions of state and local governments? Write your answer based on doing a bit of research on how the federal government has influenced the actions of NY state and local governments, during the COVID-19 pandemic.