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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Federalism¹

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

Example Sentences

If he follows through, Chicago will become another proving ground for whether Americans will allow the erosion of federalism, the suspension of legal norms, and the use of cities as props in a campaign of control.

From Slate

Federalism—the idea that the interests of states as entities should be represented in the legislature as though they were themselves people—is not a very compelling democratic defense, especially in a country like ours, where states already have so much independent power that state governments often frustrate the federal government’s objectives.

From Slate

He has asserted an inherent right to call up the National Guard, beyond norms of federalism.

From Slate

Our system of federalism commits public schooling primarily to local control, with a healthy dose of deference to the informed judgment of educators.

From Slate

On this front, the court’s decisions reflect a “federalism,” or states-rights style of conservatism, that was dominant in decades past under President Reagan and two of the court’s conservative leaders, Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

From Los Angeles Times