Legal Definitions - national government

A national government is the central authority that governs an entire independent country. It is responsible for matters affecting the nation as a whole, such as defense, foreign policy, and national laws. This government operates distinctly from regional or local governments within that country (like states, provinces, or municipalities), and also separately from international organizations.

• Example 1: Economic Policy

  When the government of Germany decides to implement a new federal income tax rate that applies uniformly to all citizens across its sixteen states, this is an action of the national government.

  This illustrates the term because the decision is made by the central German authority, affecting the entire country, rather than being a policy enacted by an individual state government like Bavaria or Saxony. It demonstrates the national government's authority over nationwide economic policy.

• Example 2: Foreign Relations

  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, acting on behalf of the Brazilian government, signs a new environmental protection treaty with neighboring countries in South America.

  This example shows the national government of Brazil engaging in foreign policy and international agreements. This action represents the sovereign interests of the entire nation on the global stage, distinguishing it from a regional Brazilian state making its own foreign policy or an international body acting independently.

• Example 3: National Infrastructure and Services

  The Australian federal government announces a large-scale investment plan to upgrade the national highway system, improving connectivity between all states and territories.

  Here, the national government of Australia is responsible for a project that benefits the entire country's infrastructure. This initiative is planned and funded at the national level, rather than being a project solely managed by, for instance, the government of New South Wales or Western Australia, highlighting the national government's role in country-wide development and services.