The government of a nation or state; now specifically (also with capital initial(s)) the government of one of the states of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Australia, etc. (sometimes as distinct from the federal or national government).
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in William Shakespeare (1564–1616), playwright and poet.
Definition of state government in US English:
state government
noun
The government of a nation or state; now specifically (also with capital initial(s)) the government of one of the states of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Australia, etc. (sometimes as distinct from the federal or national government).
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in William Shakespeare (1564–1616), playwright and poet.