* To indicate that the term is being used in a specific sense. For example, if the text is about the relationship between the federal government and state governments, the brackets might be used to indicate that the term "federal government" is being used to refer specifically to the central government of the United States, rather than to federal governments in general.
* To indicate that the term is being used figuratively. For example, if the text is about the impact of the federal government on the economy, the brackets might be used to indicate that the term "federal government" is being used to refer to the policies and actions of the government, rather than to the government itself.
* To indicate that the term is being used ironically. For example, if the text is about the failures of the federal government to address a particular issue, the brackets might be used to indicate that the term "federal government" is being used ironically, to suggest that the government is not actually doing what it is supposed to do.
In any of these cases, the use of brackets around the term "federal government" can help to clarify the meaning of the text and to prevent any misunderstandings.