Federal (en. Federal)

/feˈdeɾal/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
adjective
Belonging to or related to a federation.
The federal government has the power to legislate on national matters.
El gobierno federal tiene el poder de legislar sobre asuntos nacionales.
Referring to the central public administration in a federal system.
Federal taxes are collected by the central government.
Los impuestos federales son recaudados por el gobierno central.
Originating from the federation and not from state or local governments.
The health program is funded by federal funds.
El programa de salud es financiado por fondos federales.

Etymology

From Latin 'federalis', meaning 'relating to a pact or union'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

federal government
The branch of government that operates at the national level.
gobierno federal
federal law
A legal provision that applies throughout the country.
ley federal
federal system
A government structure that distributes power across varied levels.
sistema federal

Related Words

federation
A union of states or political entities governed under a central government.
federación
federalism
The principle of organizing the state in which several political entities unite under a central government.
federalismo

Slang Meanings

Federal police or authority.
Be careful, the federal agents are patrolling.
Cuidado, que los federales están patrullando.
Something that is extremely official or serious.
That procedure is very federal; you need all the paperwork in order.
Ese trámite es muy federal, necesitas todos los papeles en orden.