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
The Constitution designs the federal government, in its separation of powers, and the nation and the states, through federalism to fight and oppose each other.
—John Yoo, National Review, 23 June 2024
Yet federalism is the cause traditionally cited, similar to older explanations about the Civil War, says the associate professor of history at the University of Southern California.
—Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2024
The 10th Amendment defines federalism, spelling out that states have any powers not specifically assigned to the national government.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 7 June 2024
Marc Joffe is a Walnut Creek resident and a federalism and state policy analyst at the Cato Institute.
—Marc Joffe, The Mercury News, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for federalism 
John Yoo, National Review, 23 June 2024
Yet federalism is the cause traditionally cited, similar to older explanations about the Civil War, says the associate professor of history at the University of Southern California.
—Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2024
The 10th Amendment defines federalism, spelling out that states have any powers not specifically assigned to the national government.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 7 June 2024
Marc Joffe is a Walnut Creek resident and a federalism and state policy analyst at the Cato Institute.
—Marc Joffe, The Mercury News, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for federalism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'federalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near federalism
Cite this Entry
“Federalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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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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