The term "central government" refers to the highest level of government in a country, which is responsible for making and implementing policies that affect the entire nation. It typically includes executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as various departments and agencies that carry out specific functions. The central government has authority over matters such as national defense, foreign policy, taxation, and social services, among others. In a federal system, power is shared between the central government and regional or state governments, with each level of government responsible for certain areas of governance.