federalism

noun

fed·​er·​al·​ism ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce federalism (audio)
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 behaviorW. 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The wheels of federalism grind slowly, but exceedingly fine. Frank Fellone, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025 American federalism and the separation of powers are not trivial for a would-be autocrat to overcome. Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025 While deregulation is key to restructuring, there is one powerful tool that the Trump administration has yet to fully unleash in its quest to streamline government and reduce federal overreach: federalism. Jennifer Butler, National Review, 9 Mar. 2025 He will be constrained by independent judges, federalism, the country’s professionalized military, and high barriers to constitutional reform. Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for federalism

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of federalism was in 1787

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Cite this Entry

“Federalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalism. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

federalism

noun
fed·​er·​al·​ism ˈfe-drə-ˌli-zəm, ˈfe-də-rə- How to pronounce federalism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on federalism

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