Columbia Encyclopedia 2001 (http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/f/federalg.asp)
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT [federal government] or federation, government of a union of states in which sovereignty is divided between a central authority and component state authorities. A federation differs from a confederation in that the central power acts directly upon individuals as well as upon states, thus creating the problem of dual allegiance. Substantial power over matters affecting the people as a whole, such as external affairs, commerce, coinage, and the maintenance of military forces, are usually granted to the central government. Nevertheless, retention of jurisdiction over local affairs by states is compatible with the federal system and makes allowance for local feelings. The chief political problem of a federal system of government is likely to be the allocation of sovereignty, because the need for unity among the federating states may conflict with their desire for autonomy.
8. Key to negative strategy – 50 state fiat is critical to checking back against smaller affirmatives on the topic that the negative can’t prepare for 9. Encourages affirmative researche – forces affirmatives to prove a “fed key” warrant in their affirmative – it also prevents small affirmatives that don’t have “fed key” warrants
