federalism

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

Updated on: 15 Apr 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

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
The row threatens to distract lawmakers from other pressing matters, such as tax reform and the president’s plan to institute federalism by amending the constitution.

— The Economist, "The chief justice of the Philippines is under attack," 22 Mar. 2018
To be sure, partisan politics has always been a feature of federalism – that age-old struggle to draw the line between states’ rights and federal authority – and of American government writ large.

— jessica mendoza, The Christian Science Monitor, "Suing California: What Washington's move means for future conflicts," 8 Mar. 2018
The principles of equality and constitutional federalism came into conflict during this incident because the national government used the military to impose integration at the local level.

— michael harriot, The Root, "Millions of Students Are Quietly Being Taught the Koch Brothers’ Whitewashed Version of Black History," 14 Mar. 2018
The session quickly became a seminar on federalism — and a reminder that states really remain the laboratories of democracy.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Trump gets a seminar on federalism as governors push back on arming teachers," 27 Feb. 2018
That will set up a legal showdown based on federalism and states’ rights.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Pot: An economic boon to San Diego?," 12 Jan. 2018
If politicians really believe federalism is more important than one-size-fits-all edicts from Washington, here's a perfect opportunity to show it.

— cameron smith, AL.com, "Fix the marijuana mess by allowing states to sort it out," 7 Jan. 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

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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