federalism

American  

[fed-er-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈfɛd ər əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the federal principle of government.

2. U.S. History.

   1. advocacy of the federal system of government.

   2. (initial capital letter) the principles of the Federalist party.

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Federalism ¹ British  

/ ˈfɛdərəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. history the principles and policies of the Federalist party

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federalism ² British  

/ ˈfɛdərəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the principle or a system of federal union

2. advocacy of federal union

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federalism Cultural  

1. A system of government in which power is divided between a national (federal) government and various regional governments. As defined by the United States Constitution, federalism is a fundamental aspect of American government, whereby the states are not merely regional representatives of the federal government, but are granted independent powers and responsibilities. With their own legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch, states are empowered to pass, enforce, and interpret laws, provided they do not violate the Constitution. This arrangement not only allows state governments to respond directly to the interests of their local populations, but also serves to check the power of the federal government. Whereas the federal government determines foreign policy, with exclusive power to make treaties, declare war, and control imports and exports, the states have exclusive power to ratify the Constitution. Most governmental responsibilities, however, are shared by state and federal governments: both levels are involved in such public policy issues as taxation, business regulation, environmental protection, and civil rights.

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The precise extent of state and federal responsibility has always been controversial. Republican administrations, for example, have tended to grant more authority to the states, thereby encouraging political and economic freedom but discouraging comprehensive social welfare. Until the middle of the twentieth century, the Supreme Court left the interpretation of many civil rights guarantees to the states, resulting in widespread discrimination against minorities.

Other Word Forms

• federalist noun
• federalistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of federalism

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; federal + -ism

Compare meaning

How does federalism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• federalism vs. Antifederalist

Example Sentences

"Argentina, beyond the rhetoric and due to its federalism, attempts something similar," he says.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

"We want federalism for the Syrian coast," she added.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

He often took a constitutionally conservative approach to federalism and the separation of powers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Everything else — federalism, three branches of government, two houses of the legislature, an independent judiciary — had been around for a long time, in theory and in practice.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2024

They supported Chief Buthelezi’s desire to retain Zulu power and identity in a new South Africa by preaching to him the doctrine of group rights and federalism.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela