The "united vs states" switch is a figure/ground inversion.

As a reminder, "United States" went from originally being a plural noun (emphasizing the states) to a singular noun (emphasizing the Union) after the civil war.

When you make a figure/ground inversion, the real-world details are the same as before, but the interpretation flips on its head.

This can lead to significantly different outcomes down the line.

Not because it changes anything immediately, but because the interpretation changes your beliefs.

And your beliefs influence what work you will do, and thus how you will evolve and extend the thing in front of you.