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
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Lawmakers have defended the deduction on various grounds, typically advancing claims about fairness and federalism. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 In addition to the practical differences between the military and the police, there are philosophical differences derived from core principles of federalism, which refers to the division of power between the national and state governments. Luke William Hunt, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 The dynamics could embroil the 2026 midterm campaign in legislative and court battles testing Trump's power over the Republican Party, Democrats' ability to mount opposition and the durability of the U.S. system of federalism that balances power between Washington and the states. Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2025 The Tenth Amendment centers around federalism, or the principle that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states remain with the states. Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 18 Sep. 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

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