<s>[INST] What is the primary reason why the US government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was decentralized, with decision-making authority residing in the states rather than the federal government?
1. The fact that the virus had a disproportionate impact on certain states, leading those states to take charge of their own responses.
2. The US Constitution's division of powers, which places public health responsibilities in the hands of state governments.
3. Pressure from business leaders and politicians who were concerned about the economic impact of a centralized response.
4. The federal government's lack of experience and capacity to handle a crisis of this scale.[/INST]