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
Certainly both parties have attempted similar maneuvers slotting in provisions that could not have otherwise passed in regular legislation, but this GOP effort is on another scale in terms of its sheer scope and intent to remake aspects of federalism, government power and American life.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
This fundamentally threatens both federalism and the rule of law.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Courts can rule, the media and civil society can truthfully report and analyze, and federalism can offer sufficient respite for Americans of all views to deliberate and vote in elections to come.
—Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
But the immunity and federalism issues must be resolved swiftly because the government has no basis in law to prosecute her.
—Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025
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New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
This fundamentally threatens both federalism and the rule of law.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Courts can rule, the media and civil society can truthfully report and analyze, and federalism can offer sufficient respite for Americans of all views to deliberate and vote in elections to come.
—Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
But the immunity and federalism issues must be resolved swiftly because the government has no basis in law to prosecute her.
—Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 15 May 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 25 Jul. 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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