federalism

noun

fed·​er·​al·​ism ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

1

a

often Federalism : 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.

—Wayne R. LaFave & Jerold H. Israel

compare centralism

b

: support or advocacy of this principle

2

Federalism : Federalist principles

Examples of federalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Observers link these conflicts to Abiy’s push away from Ethiopia’s longstanding system of ethnic federalism, which had allowed diverse regional states to draft their own laws and maintain local armies. —Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026

America’s constitutional order—independent courts, federalism, a free press, and a robust civil society—provides formidable safeguards against the translation of social hostility into state persecution. —Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026

The traditional conservative notion of federalism reflected skepticism of concentrated power and hinged on the idea that leaders closest to their communities were better positioned to understand local needs and values. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

That is federalism working exactly as designed, and the Supreme Court affirmed it as recently as 2023. —Jesse Plunkett, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing federalism

• world federalism

Rhymes for federalism

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

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