federalism

noun

fed·​er·​al·​ism ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

1

a

often capitalized : the distribution of power in an organization (such as a government) between a central authority and the constituent (see constituent entry 2 sense 1) units

under our system of federalism, states bear the primary responsibility for defining and controlling criminal behavior

—W. R. LaFave & J. R. Israel

compare centralism

b

: support or advocacy of this principle

2

capitalized : Federalist principles

Examples of federalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, coalitional maneuvering, personal rivalries, and debates over federalism, secularism, and the allocation of resources took primacy. —Paul Staniland, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2024

So, the filibuster is increasingly important to protect federalism — the pluralism of disparate states. —George F. Will, Washington Post, 26 July 2024

While justices were expressing concerns about one state deciding the election for the entire country, Reinert said, that’s an issue of federalism and doesn’t address the legal arguments for disqualifying Trump. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024

And thanks to structural concepts like federalism, differences of opinion on matters of fundamental importance such as equality are not only encouraged but essential to popular self-government. —Robert L. Tsai / Made By History, TIME, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing federalism

• world federalism

Legal Definition

federalism

noun

fed·​er·​al·​ism ˈfe-drə-ˌli-zəm, ˈfe-də-rə- 

often capitalized

: distribution of power in a federation between the central authority and the constituent units (as states) involving especially the allocation of significant lawmaking powers to those constituent units compare comity, full faith and credit, states' rights