There are three main types of government systems: Federal, Confederation, and Unitary. In a Federal system, citizens interact with both national and state governments and elect representatives at both levels. In a Confederation system, citizens primarily interact with individual states or provinces, with a weaker central government. In a Unitary system, citizens interact solely with the central government, which holds primary authority over governance.
The division of power allocates authority between the central and subnational governments, which is outlined in a constitution or legal framework.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government influenced state and local governments in New York through policy directives, funding, and coordination efforts. This included financial assistance, public health guidelines, and support from agencies like the CDC and FEMA to manage the crisis effectively.