Like people in other parts of the United states, people in the pacific northwest are subject to three layers of government. Those layers are: - Federal, city, and town
- County, state, and township
- Federal, state and local

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.