In a federal system, power is shared between national and state governments, and citizens participate in both. In a confederation, states have most power, and citizens engage mainly with state governments. In a unitary system, the national government holds all authority, and citizens have little direct influence on local decisions.

The division of power refers to how authority is split between different levels of government. The U.S. federal system divides power between the national and state governments, with some exclusive federal powers (like defense), some shared (like taxation), and some reserved for states (like education).

During COVID-19, the federal government influenced New York by providing funding (CARES Act, stimulus packages), issuing health guidelines (CDC mask mandates, distancing rules), supporting emergency response (National Guard assistance), and negotiating policies with state officials.