Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political system or principle: Federalism refers to the idea or practice of distributing power between a central authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces). In this system, both levels of government have their own areas of sovereignty and governing responsibilities.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The United States Constitution established a system of federalism. (This describes the foundational principle of power-sharing.)
  • Debates over federalism often center on the balance of power between national and state governments. (This shows the concept as a topic of political discussion.)
  • Canadian federalism allows provinces significant control over areas like healthcare and education. (This illustrates the principle in practice within a specific country.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dual federalism": A historical model viewing national and state governments as operating in separate, distinct spheres of authority.
  • The early years of the United States were characterized by dual federalism.
• "Cooperative federalism": A model emphasizing collaboration and overlapping functions between national and state governments.
  • The New Deal era marked a shift toward cooperative federalism.
• "Fiscal federalism": Concerns the financial relations and fund transfers between different levels of government.
  • Grants from the national government are a key tool of fiscal federalism.

Variants and Related Words

• Federal (adj): Relating to a system of government, or the central government in a federal system.
  • The federal court has jurisdiction over certain cases.
• Federalist (n): A supporter of federalism; historically, a supporter of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Alexander Hamilton was a leading Federalist.
• Federalize (v): To bring under the control of a federal government.
  • The decision was made to federalize the National Guard units.

Synonyms

• Decentralization: The transfer of authority from central to local government.
• Devolution: The delegation of power from a central government to regional governments.

Related Phrases

• "Principles of federalism": The foundational ideas behind the federal system.
  • The court's ruling was based on the principles of federalism.
• "Challenge to federalism": An issue or action that tests the balance of power in a federal system.
  • The new law presented a significant challenge to federalism.

Noun

1. the idea of a federal organization of more or less self-governing units