1. relating to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units
2. relating to the central government of the United States

Examples

• The federal government has authority over interstate commerce.
• Federal taxes are collected by the IRS.
• She works for a federal agency in Washington, D.C.
• The Constitution establishes our federal system of government.
• Federal law takes precedence over state law in many cases.
• The federal budget includes spending on defense and social programs.
• Federal courts handle cases involving constitutional issues.