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 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 centralismb : support or advocacy of this principle
2 capitalized : Federalist principles
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Recent Examples of federalism from the Web
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Mr Duterte supports autonomy, but has muddied the process with vague proposals on federalism.
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The federalism-on-steroids approach could attract small-government conservatives — at precisely the time McConnell cannot afford to lose those members from own proposal.
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Resistance to the power of Trump’s federal government is important, but there is another more positive agenda for the Democratic Party that lies in the founder’s concept of federalism.
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This booster shot of federalism could become the greatest devolution of federal power to the states in the modern era.
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Expect to see such strategic partisan use of federalism continue as the parties go to battle over Trump’s and the GOP’s agenda.
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To avoid the tyranny of the majority of a few populous areas imposing its will on all the rest, the founders came up with the idea of federalism.
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Resolution, however, hinges on Myanmar’s willingness to cede power to minorities and facilitate greater federalism.
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Resolution, however, hinges on Myanmar’s willingness to cede power to minorities and facilitate greater federalism.
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
Other Government and Politics Terms
Law Dictionary
federalism
playLegal 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
Learn More about federalism
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See words that rhyme with federalism Spanish Central: Translation of federalism Nglish: Translation of federalism for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about federalism
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