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

But the immunity and federalism issues must be resolved swiftly because the government has no basis in law to prosecute her. —Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025

Courts, federalism, and the independent media will not alone protect the country in every circumstance. —Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025

Critics say the tactic threatens federalism and undermines trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025

The wheels of federalism grind slowly, but exceedingly fine. —Frank Fellone, Arkansas Online, 16 May 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