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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing federalism

• world federalism

Rhymes for federalism

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

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