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

This requirement is said to violate the principles of federalism by undermining state sovereignty. —Matthew Erskine, Forbes, 29 Mar. 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. —USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024

The offensive took months of planning, and the coordination among disparate groups inspires hope that the country could reach a model of interethnic unity framed by federalism. —Avinash Paliwal, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2024

For Congress to question the legitimacy of state election rules would violate conservative principles of federalism, and votes to reject Trump’s defeat would invite Democrats to try to block Republicans from the White House in future elections. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024

Indian federalism and unity will struggle to cope with the fallout. —Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024

And while complaining about sanctuary cities is popular among those who don’t understand federalism or the separation of powers, here DeMaio is just complaining about policies which leave immigration matters to federal authorities so that local police can focus on enforcing state and local laws. —The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 29 Jan. 2024

This raised complex issues of federalism and judicial remedies. —Nr Editors, National Review, 26 Jan. 2024

One reason is simply American federalism, which allows states to set their own standards where there is no federal one. —Kate Zernike, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2023

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