federation

Everyday

1. A federation is a country made of states or provinces that each run some of their own matters, but share one central government, like the USA, Canada, Australia or Germany. tree →
2. A federation is also a group of clubs, unions or organisations that join together, like a football federation. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship and geography lessons, pupils learn that Australia became a federation when its colonies joined, and that in a federation power is shared between national and state governments. In sport, federations make the rules, like FIFA, the world football federation. Phrases: «the Russian Federation», «a federation of», «football federation».

Examples

• Australia is a federation of six states and two territories. tree →
• The USA is a federation with fifty states. tree →
• The national football federation chose a new coach. tree →
• The Russian Federation is the official name of Russia. tree →
• In a federation, states can make some of their own laws. tree →
• Several unions joined to form a federation. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Adjective: federal (the federal government). Do not confuse with «confederation» (a looser union) or «federal» with «feudal».