federalism

fed·er·al·ism | \ ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm

Definition of federalism

1a 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 This year, that aspect of American federalism was a saving grace. — New York Times, "But it is fragile and under threat.," 7 Nov. 2020 The least famous passage in that essay, and the most relevant today, is about one thing: federalism. — Cass R. Sunstein Bloomberg Opinion (tns), Star Tribune, "Why are national elections run by states?," 6 Nov. 2020 As Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern noted last night, this theory not only clashes with major federalism precedents but sets up the Supreme Court to act as final arbiter on how states run their elections. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Brett Kavanaugh Will Have His Revenge on America," 27 Oct. 2020 Harris’s understanding of the Second Amendment within our system of federalism is even more stunted. — Derek Cohen, National Review, "The Biden-Harris Antipathy toward Guns Portends Trouble for Law Enforcement," 25 Oct. 2020 Without a return to federalism and local control, the tide will not be turned. — Stanley Kurtz, National Review, "Against the 1619 Curriculum," 17 Sep. 2020 That is part of the conservative case for federalism — the United States is big enough to have both Greenwich, Conn., and Las Vegas; Silicon Valley venture capitalists and Texas cotton farmers. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Debating Obamacare, Again, and Again," 1 Oct. 2020 In India today, this loosely translates into the federalism of the states, where the central government plays a nodal role, but allows for greater autonomy at local district levels. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, "The British Raj’s Spanish flu response has a lesson for India’s Covid-19 battle," 2 Sep. 2020 Republicans should appreciate that the incentive has more fidelity to federalism, encouraging states to form compacts with more flexibility than a federal agency to invest in innovations and rapidly respond to local needs. — Puja Ohlhaver, Wired, "How States Can Join Forces to Expand Covid Testing," 1 Sep. 2020

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.