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

Marc Joffe is a federalism and state policy analyst at the Cato Institute. —Jeffrey Singer, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024

By imposing a federal standard for incorporation, the CTA allegedly oversteps Congress's powers and contravenes the principles of federalism and state autonomy. —Matthew Erskine, Forbes, 29 Mar. 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