When Americans talk of the federal government, they are referring to the federal system of government, which is made up of both the national government and the state governments.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When Americans refer to the federal government, they are specifically talking about the national government, not the combination of national and state governments. The federal system encompasses the overall structure that includes both levels, but "federal government" refers to the national level.

When Americans Talk of the Federal Government, They Are Referring