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

These include concerns about compromising national sovereignty, upsetting the American system of federalism that leaves certain matters to the states, and duplicating existing domestic legislation. —Jorge G. CastaÑeda, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025

Indeed, the great puzzle of federalism – and the great challenge for courts – has been to figure out the boundaries between state and federal power and how two sovereigns can coexist. —Claire B. Wofford, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025

While there have been deep divisions throughout American history – over federalism, slavery, suffrage, and civil rights – during times of conflict like the Cold War, Hunter argued, a common enemy brought the country together in an unprecedented way, despite significant cultural shifts. —Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 15 Nov. 2024

And then because this is a state case, he's also got an argument about what's called federalism. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 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