1. relating to or based on a system of government in which power is shared between a central authority and constituent states or regions
Usage: formal; political/governmental context
2. characterized by or involving a union of separate groups, organizations, or entities that retain some independence
Usage: formal

Examples

• The United States has a federative system where states maintain certain powers while the federal government handles national matters.
• The European Union operates on a federative principle, combining independent nations into a larger political structure.
• A federative approach allows member organizations to collaborate while preserving their individual autonomy.
• The country adopted a federative constitution to balance power between the central government and regional authorities.
• Federative structures are designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single governing body.
• The organization's federative model enables local chapters to make decisions suited to their communities.