Federal highways are major roads in the United States that are funded and maintained by the federal government. These highways are part of the National Highway System, which connects cities and regions, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country. They are designed to handle large volumes of traffic and often include features like multiple lanes and interchanges. The Interstate Highway System is a prominent example of federal highways, established in the 1950s to improve national defense and promote economic growth. These highways are crucial for interstate travel and commerce, providing a reliable network for transportation throughout the nation.