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
W. R. LaFave & J. R. Israel
b
: support or advocacy of this principle
2
capitalized
: Federalist principles
Examples of federalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The framers of the Constitution built an amazing system, supported by ideas of federalism.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
The ruling was an interpretation of the 10th Amendment of the United States, which speaks to the principle of federalism — that states retain all power that is not expressly given to the government in the constitution.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
Syrians need to prepare a new constitution, one that probably ends up accommodating some form of decentralization and federalism—features of a future state that SDF leaders and those of other minority Syrian groups are determined to secure.
—Robert S. Ford, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2025
The courts, which have so often otherwise championed the principles of federalism, should nip this in the bud before then.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
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Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
The ruling was an interpretation of the 10th Amendment of the United States, which speaks to the principle of federalism — that states retain all power that is not expressly given to the government in the constitution.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
Syrians need to prepare a new constitution, one that probably ends up accommodating some form of decentralization and federalism—features of a future state that SDF leaders and those of other minority Syrian groups are determined to secure.
—Robert S. Ford, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2025
The courts, which have so often otherwise championed the principles of federalism, should nip this in the bud before then.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for federalism
Cite this Entry
“Federalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalism. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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