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

The ruling was an interpretation of the 10th Amendment of the United States, which speaks to the principle of federalism — that states retain all power that is not expressly given to the government in the constitution. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025

Syrians need to prepare a new constitution, one that probably ends up accommodating some form of decentralization and federalism—features of a future state that SDF leaders and those of other minority Syrian groups are determined to secure. —Robert S. Ford, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2025

The courts, which have so often otherwise championed the principles of federalism, should nip this in the bud before then. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025

An independent judiciary, federalism, bicameralism, and midterm elections—all absent in Hungary, for instance—will likely limit the scope of Trump’s authoritarianism. —Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing federalism

• world federalism

Rhymes for federalism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

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