federalism

noun fed·er·al·ism \ ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Definition of federalism

1 a often capitalized : the distribution of power in an organization (such as a government) between a central authority and the constituent (see ²constituent 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

Recent Examples of federalism from the Web

This is a victory for federalism and the plain reading of the law, notwithstanding howls that this is somehow about purging minority voters.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "A Victory for Voting Law," 11 June 2018
The strength and flexibility of Madisonian federalism have enabled the American system to flourish amid more than two centuries of successive upheavals.

— walter russell mead, WSJ, "America’s Decline Never Seems to Arrive," 2 July 2018
Justice Kennedy’s other great contribution has been support for federalism and the proper understanding of the separation of powers.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "The Court After Kennedy," 27 June 2018
American federalism is no longer facilitating the expression of various issues and conflicts.

— lee drutman, Vox, "America has local political institutions but nationalized politics. This is a problem.," 31 May 2018
This concept of federalism, this is an important part of it.

— jonathan lai, Philly.com, "Pa. Supreme Court strikes down congressional map as unconstitutional, orders change before May primary," 22 Jan. 2018
In addition to the federalism issue, Simmons noted that the defense was denied an opportunity to call as a witness an expert in state campaign finance law.

— robert rhoden, NOLA.com, "Convicted former DA Walter Reed takes case to appeals court," 1 May 2018
California’s challenge to President Trump Similar federalism dynamics are at play in California’s resistance to the Trump administration.

— anthony johnstone, Houston Chronicle, "Would Thomas Jefferson side with California against Sessions' immigration lawsuit?," 19 Mar. 2018
Similar to marijuana legalization and immigration, gun control is a perfect test case for federalism.

— james davenport, Newsweek, "The Four Reasons Congress Won’t Do Anything About Gun Control," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'federalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of federalism

1787

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Law Dictionary

federalism

noun, often capitalized fed·er·al·ism \ ˈfe-drə-ˌli-zəm, ˈfe-də-rə- \

legal Definition of federalism

: 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