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
Opponents, including Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, have cautioned that granting unchecked presidential authority over state military forces could erode federalism and lead to misuse of military power in domestic situations.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
From the point of view of federalism, two factors lend this conflict some constitutional complexity.
—Andrea Katz, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
Which speaks to old-fashioned federalism.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025
Their solutions — separated powers, checks and balances, federalism — today matriculate into the age of AI.
—Tanner H. Jones, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
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Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
From the point of view of federalism, two factors lend this conflict some constitutional complexity.
—Andrea Katz, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
Which speaks to old-fashioned federalism.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025
Their solutions — separated powers, checks and balances, federalism — today matriculate into the age of AI.
—Tanner H. Jones, Fortune, 16 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 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
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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