federalize

verb

fed·er·al·ize | \ ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌlīz

How to pronounce federalize (audio)

\

federalized; federalizing

Definition of federalize

transitive verb

1 : to unite in or under a federal system

2 : to bring under the jurisdiction of a federal government

Examples of federalize in a Sentence

The measure federalizes several state programs.

Recent Examples on the Web The Insurrection Act of 1807 authorizes the president to dispatch the military or federalize the National Guard in states that cannot control insurrections or defy federal law, according to USA TODAY. — Chelsey Cox, USA TODAY, "Fact check: The Insurrection Act is not in effect and is unnecessary in DC," 14 Jan. 2021 Some of the more alarming scenarios mapped out by TIP—including a Trump attempt to federalize and deploy the National Guard—may lack for Republican support. — Kira Bindrim, Quartz, "What happens if a president refuses to concede?," 6 Nov. 2020 The Insurrection Act of 1807 also gives a president authority to deploy the military or federalize the National Guard in states that cannot control insurrections or that defy federal law. — Chelsey Cox, USA TODAY, "Fact check: Trump sent federal officers to cities without approval from locals," 13 Oct. 2020 The National Guard is unlikely to federalize for the election and go under President Donald Trump’s control, senior Guard officials from Nebraska, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin said during a Wednesday afternoon press conference. — William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, "300 Alabama National Guard troops prepared for Election Day unrest," 2 Nov. 2020 Under limited circumstances, Trump could federalize them, but in that case, they would generally be barred from doing law enforcement. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "An Election Day role for National Guard? Maybe, but limited.," 30 Oct. 2020 The president also has the ability to dispatch the military or federalize the National Guard in states that either defy federal law or cannot control insurrections under the Insurrection Act of 1807, according to USA TODAY. — Chelsey Cox, USA TODAY, "Fact check: National Guard was activated most often during the civil rights era," 15 June 2020 As currently worded, the Insurrection Act allows the president to call up the active military or federalize the national guard under three circumstances. — NBC News, "George Floyd's family was told other officers 'will be charged' following autopsy results, lawyer says," 2 June 2020 The New York Times reported Tuesday that Pence favored the idea of invoking an 1807 law, the Insurrection Act, that allows the president to dispatch the military or federalize the National Guard. — Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, "Pastor tells Mike Pence leaders need the 'right tone' during listening session over George Floyd's death," 5 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'federalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about federalize

Dictionary Entries near federalize

federal public law

Federal Reserve agent

Federal Reserve bank

Statistics for federalize

Last Updated

23 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Federalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalize. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for federalize

federalize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of federalize

chiefly US

: to join (states, nations, etc.) together in or under a federal system of government

: to cause (something) to be under the control of a federal government

See the full definition for federalize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Comments on federalize

What made you want to look up federalize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

abhor

Listen to the pronunciation of abhor

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

What is a ruelle?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ