Definition of the word federal government

The term "federal government" originated during the drafting of the Constitution of the United States in the late 18th century. The founding fathers recognized that a strong central government was necessary to address national issues, but also feared the potential for tyranny. To strike a balance, they created a federal system, in which power would be shared between the central government (known as the federal government) and the individual states. The word "federal" implies a union or league (such as the Holy Roman Empire or the Italian city-states) in which member states retain a certain amount of independence and sovereignty, while conceding certain powers to a central authority. Thus, the term "federal government" signifies a government that reconciles the competing demands of centralization and decentralization, operating as both a national authority with broad responsibilities, and a confederation of states that retain distinct identities and powers. Over time, the interpretation and scope of federal power has been subject to debate and evolution, as political, social, and economic conditions have changed. However, the basic principle of a federal system, in which power is shared and balanced between the national and state governments, remains a fundamental feature of constitutional governance in many countries around the world.