Federal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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federal
[ˈfɛd(ə)rəl ]
Definitions
government
Relating to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states.
Synonyms
central, national, state-wide.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| federal |
Refers to the government system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments. Often used in relation to federal laws, institutions, or policies.
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| national |
Pertains to a nation as a whole, often used in reference to laws, policies, events, and identity that affect or represent the entire country.
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| central |
Used to describe something that is at the center of attention or importance, or relates to the main control or authority in an organization or country. Often used in a more administrative or locational sense.
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| state-wide |
Refers to something that affects or is implemented across an entire state. Often used for policies, events, or programs specific to individual states.
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Examples of usage
- Federal law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors.
- The country has a federal system of government where power is shared between the national and state governments.
government
A member of a federalist party.
Synonyms
centralist, federalist, nationalist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| federal |
This word is often used to refer to systems of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual regions or states.
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| federalist |
Federalist refers to someone who supports a federal system of government. In a U.S. historical context, it also relates to a specific political party from the late 18th century.
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| centralist |
Centralist is used to describe a preference for centralized control of government. It can carry a negative connotation, implying an over-concentration of power.
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| nationalist |
Nationalist describes someone who strongly identifies with their nation and supports its interests, sometimes to the detriment of international cooperation. It can have a negative connotation when it implies excessive patriotism or xenophobia.
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Examples of usage
- The federal proposed a new bill in the parliament.
- The federalists believe in a strong central government.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Science
- A federal government often contrasts with a unitary government, where all power is held by a single central authority without sharing.
- Federal systems can allow regions to maintain unique laws and practices, promoting diversity within a unified framework.
- Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany, like the U.S., use federal systems, showcasing various forms of shared governance.
History
- The concept of federalism played a crucial role during the American Civil War, as differing interpretations of state versus federal power led to conflict.
- In the 1780s, the Federalist Papers, written by figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, defended the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
- The term also reflects a historical shift in governance structures, moving from loose confederations to more structured federal systems in various nations.
Global Perspectives
- Countries with federal governments often encourage regional representation, making it easier for diverse populations to have a voice in governance.
- The need for a federal approach can arise from geography, such as in large countries where regional differences necessitate self-governance.
- Federations can help manage tensions between different ethnic or cultural groups, providing a platform for negotiation and collaboration.
Economics
- A federal government can influence the economy through fiscal policies, such as taxation and spending, impacting both local and national levels.
- Central banks, often part of a federal system, help manage monetary policy, which regulates the economy's overall health and stability.
- In federations, economic powers can lead to competition among states or regions for business and resources, driving innovation and development.
Origin of 'federal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'federal' comes from the Latin 'foedus', meaning 'covenant' or 'league', highlighting the sense of agreement or partnership.
- It first appeared in English around the late 14th century, initially relating to groups of people uniting for a common purpose.
- The modern use of the term began gaining prominence during the development of the U.S. Constitution in the 18th century.
The word 'federal' originates from the Latin word 'foedus', meaning 'covenant' or 'treaty'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The concept of federalism emerged during the formation of the United States, with the Federalist Papers advocating for a strong central government. Today, federal systems of government can be found in countries around the world, including the United States, Germany, and Australia.