FEDERAL.

American Law. Belonging to the general government or union of the states.

Founded on or organized under the constitution or laws of the United States.
The United States has been generally styled, in American political and judicial
writings, a "federal government."
The term has not been imposed by any specific constitutional authority, but only
expresses the general sense and opinion upon the nature of the form of
government. In recent years, there is observable a disposition to employ
the term "national" in speaking of the government of the Union. Neither word
settles anything as to the nature or powers of the government. "Federal" is
somewhat more appropriate if the government is considered a union of
the states; "national" is preferable if the view is adopted that the state governments
and the Union are two distinct systems, each established by the people directly, one
for local and the other for national purposes. See United States v. Cruikshank, 92
U.S. 542, 23 L.Ed. 588; Abbott; Mills, Representative Government 301; Freeman,
Fed. Gov't. Constitutional Law. A term commonly used to express a league or
compact between two or more states, to become united under one central govern
ment. Montana Auto Finance Corporation v. British & Federal Underwriters of
Norwich Union
Fire Ins. Soc., 72 Mont. 69, 232 P. 198, 199, 36 A.L.
R.1495.