federalism
noun
fed·er·al·ism
ˈfe-d(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
often capitalized
: the distribution of power in an organization (such as a government) between a central authority and the constituent (see constituent entry 2 sense 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 centralism
W. R. LaFave & J. R. Israel
b
: support or advocacy of this principle
2
capitalized
: Federalist principles
Examples of federalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their solutions — separated powers, checks and balances, federalism — today matriculate into the age of AI.
—Tanner H. Jones, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Lawmakers have defended the deduction on various grounds, typically advancing claims about fairness and federalism.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Syria is likely to be ruled by a strongman, and without some form of federalism, intense intercommunal violence will continue.
—Steven N. Simon, Foreign Affairs, 10 Sep. 2025
In addition to the practical differences between the military and the police, there are philosophical differences derived from core principles of federalism, which refers to the division of power between the national and state governments.
—Luke William Hunt, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
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Tanner H. Jones, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Lawmakers have defended the deduction on various grounds, typically advancing claims about fairness and federalism.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Syria is likely to be ruled by a strongman, and without some form of federalism, intense intercommunal violence will continue.
—Steven N. Simon, Foreign Affairs, 10 Sep. 2025
In addition to the practical differences between the military and the police, there are philosophical differences derived from core principles of federalism, which refers to the division of power between the national and state governments.
—Luke William Hunt, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for federalism
Cite this Entry
“Federalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalism. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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federalism
noun
fed·er·al·ism
ˈfe-drə-ˌli-zəm, ˈfe-də-rə-
often capitalized
: 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
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