Definition

1. Noun:
   • A government with strong central powers: A system of government where a central authority holds significant power over constituent political units (like states or provinces). This central authority typically handles national defense, foreign policy, and monetary systems, while the constituent units may retain powers over local matters.

Usage

• The term "federal government" is used to refer specifically to the central governing body in a federal system. It is a singular, countable noun.
• It is often preceded by a definite article ("the") when referring to a specific nation's central government.
• It functions as the subject or object in a sentence.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The federal government announced new environmental regulations today.
  • Funding for the project comes from the federal government.
  • A federal government must balance national interests with regional autonomy.

Advanced Usage

• "The federal government" vs. "state government": This contrast highlights the division of powers in a federal system.
  • Healthcare policy is a complex issue involving both the federal government and state governments.

Variants and Related Words

• Federal (adj): Pertaining to the central government of a federation.
  • Federal law supersedes state law.
• Federalism (n): The political principle of a federal system of government.
  • The country's constitution is based on federalism.
• Federation (n): A group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs.
  • The republic is a federation of several regions.

Synonyms

• Central government: The national governing authority.
• National government: The government of an entire nation.

Related Phrases

• Federal agency: A specific administrative unit within the federal government.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency is a federal agency.
• Federal level: Pertaining to the national tier of government.
  • This crime is prosecuted at the federal level.

Noun

1. a government with strong central powers