federalism

[ fed-er-uh-liz-uhm ]

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.

Federalism

¹

/ ˈfɛdərəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. history the principles and policies of the Federalist party

federalism

²

/ ˈfɛdərəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the principle or a system of federal union
2. advocacy of federal union

federalism

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 .

Notes

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.

Derived Forms

• ˌfederalˈistic, adjective
• ˈfederalist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of federalism¹

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

Example Sentences

This means recovering the virtues of federalism, local self-rule and judicial restraint.

From Washington Post

America has an obsession with federalism and delegating power down to progressively smaller authorities.

From MIT Technology Review

To some, this federalism itself defines the concept of America.

From Washington Post

He surely knows everything explained here about constitutional interpretation and federalism.

From Washington Post

They have taught about federalism and the separation of powers and the right to vote.

From Washington Post

Les Gelb calls the proposal “federalism,” with three strong local governments within a single nation.

From The Daily Beast

But the resolution demanded official status for the Russian language and a referendum on federalism.

From The Daily Beast

Federalism will appeal primarily to an idea detached from reality.

From The Daily Beast

This is your typical case of adultery, federalism, and chemical weapons.

From The Daily Beast

And cramming this law down the throats of states that prefer less expansive gun laws is a serious blow to advocates of federalism.

From The Daily Beast

After stating what Simple Repeal and what Federalism respectively meant, he proceeded to contrast their value.

From Project Gutenberg

Federalism and solidarity must take the place of tribal rivalry and national isolation.

From Project Gutenberg

Pickering's words sped over the country and became the political war cry of Federalism.

From Project Gutenberg

The study of federalism, as a system of government, has in recent times become a favorite subject for constitutional writers.

From Project Gutenberg

Many Frenchmen were convinced that Federalism would be the really liberal policy for them.

From Project Gutenberg