federal
The word 'fédéral' in French is equivalent to the English word 'federal'. Much like its English counterpart, 'fédéral' is used to describe something that is connected with the central government of a country, rather than local government. For instance, if a law or regulation is approved at the nation-wide level, it can be termed as a 'loi fédérale' or federal law. The term 'fédéral' can also be used in the context of grouping of states, as in a 'gouvernement fédéral' or federal government.
The federal government has signed a new treaty.
In this sentence, 'fédéral' is used to describe the type of government which has just signed a new treaty. In France, the federal government would refer to the national government based in Paris.
The federal law imposes restrictions on customs rights.
Here, 'fédéral' is used to specify the type of law that is imposing restrictions on customs rights. A federal law applies to all states or provinces within the country.
The federal judge handed down a unanimous verdict.
The term 'fédéral' here describes the level of the judge who has handed down a unanimous verdict. A federal judge works at the national level.
The presidential election is a major federal event.
The word 'fédéral' is used here to provide context about the scale of the presidential election, which is a nationwide, or 'federal', event.
The federal system is composed of several states.
In this sentence, 'fédéral' clarifies the type of system that includes several states — a federal system.
The federal bank has lowered interest rates.
Used in this context, 'fédéral' is specifying the type of bank — in this case, the national or 'federal' bank.
The federal parliament has approved the new budget.
The adjective 'fédéral' is used to describe the type of parliament. A federal parliament is a nation's legislative body at the highest level.
The federal inspector conducted a thorough investigation.
Here, 'fédéral' specifies the level of inspectorship. A federal inspector works on national-level concerns and investigates problems spanning states or provinces.
The federal agency issued a recall notice.
In this sentence, 'fédéral' is referring to the national agency responsible for issuing a recall notice.
The federal court scheduled a hearing in the case.
The word 'fédéral' here describes the level of the court that scheduled a hearing. The federal court is at the highest level in the judiciary system.