In the case of the United States, the federal government (national government) is in charge of overseeing the following affairs.
- Managing relations with foreign countries through diplomacy (The Department of State).
- Managing monetary policy through the Federal Reserve
- Overseeing military activity by protecting the countries borders and engaging in acts fo war once it is approved by Congress.
State Governments (provincial governments) oversee affairs related to the state.
- Managing educational curricula.
- Improving roads and infrastructure within the state borders.
- Providing for social services.