What type of government would most likely have a central authority that represents the entire nation?

A national government is designed to represent the interests and needs of an entire country or nation. This type of government operates at the highest level of authority, overseeing matters that affect the whole nation, such as foreign policy, national defense, and federal law. The central authority in a national government has the power to create and enforce laws applicable across all states or territories within the country, ensuring cohesion and unity in governance.

In contrast, a state government operates at a lower level, managing regional or state-specific issues and governance. Local governments focus on municipal or community matters and are even more decentralized, dealing primarily with local ordinances and services that affect daily life in specific communities. A federal government structure includes a central authority but also divides power between national and state governments, making it less central than a purely national government. Therefore, the distinct characteristic of a national government is its ability to represent and govern the entire nation under a single authority.