Why does the sympathetic division have a more widespread and longer lasting effects than the parasympathetic ?

Because the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) has greater hormonal regulation via epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin).

The SNS is a branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) along with the enteric nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). It is always active at a basal level (called sympathetic tone) and becomes more active during times of stress. Its actions during the stress response comprise the fight-or-flight response.

The ANS, a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), sends fibers to three tissues: cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or glandular tissue.

The PSNS is antagonistic to the SNS, both of which control smooth muscle contraction, regulate cardiac muscle, and stimulate or inhibit glandular secretion. The actions of the parasympathetic nervous system can be summarized as "rest and digest."