Federal

The word federal in a general sense refers to the nature of an agreement between or among two or more states, nations, or other groups to merge into a union in which control of common affairs is held by a central authority created by and with the consent of the members. Each member of a federation or confederation thus formed retains jurisdiction over its own internal affairs. The word federal also characterises the group formed by such an agreement. It may also refer to the form of any government following the principle of federalism.

See also

• Alliance
• Confederacy
• Confederation
• European Union
• Federal District
• Federal government of the United States
• Federalism
• Federation
• List of forms of government
• Washington, DC