Final answer:
Divided government occurs when opposing parties control different branches of government leading to potential conflict, while unified government is when the same party controls both branches, often resulting in smoother governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between divided government and unified government is significant in the context of how political power is distributed within a government. Option 1) correctly defines the terms: Divided government occurs when different political parties control the executive branch and at least one house of the legislature, creating potential for increased conflict and difficulty in passing legislation. Unified government, on the other hand, happens when the same political party controls both the executive and legislative branches, which can lead to a smoother process in policymaking and implementation. Examples of divided government include various administrations in the United States where the President and Congress were controlled by opposing parties, leading to contentious politics and sometimes government shutdowns. In contrast, a unified government, as seen when both the executive and legislator are of the same party, typically results in a more cooperative governing environment.