noun

federalism

FED-uh-ruh-liz-uhm

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Federalism (noun) means a system of government in which power is shared between one central authority and a set of regional governments, each with its own areas of control that the other cannot simply override. Example: “Federalism means education is run by the states rather than from the capital.”

noun

A system of government in which power is shared between one central authority and a set of regional governments, each with its own areas of control that the other cannot simply override.

"Federalism means education is run by the states rather than from the capital."

"Debates about health policy in Australia usually come back to federalism."

Support for such a division of power, or for binding separate states more closely together in a federal union.

"He was a lifelong advocate of European federalism."

How to use federalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA country where the national government and the regional ones each hold real power of their own.

When to use it

Neutral and academic; standard vocabulary in politics, law and history.

Memory tip

In American history, capital-F Federalism also names the early party and movement that favoured a strong national government, so context decides which is meant.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

confederation → devolution → unitary state

Common pairings

cooperative federalism fiscal federalism principles of federalism federalism and states' rights

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “federalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ means education is run by the states rather than from the capital.

Etymology

From federal, which comes from Latin foedus, foeder- 'league, covenant, treaty', plus the suffix -ism denoting a doctrine or system.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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federal system federal government decentralised government

Antonyms

unitarism centralism separatism secessionism

Related words

segregation separatist centralism secessionism separatism unitarism

Rhymes for federalism

realism idealism socialism vandalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism cannibalism nationalism

See all rhymes for federalism →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between federalism and a confederation?

Under federalism the central government has real authority that acts directly on citizens, and neither level can abolish the other. In a confederation the member states keep sovereignty and the central body only has powers they choose to lend it, which they can withdraw.

What is the difference between federalism and devolution?

Federalism divides power constitutionally, so regional powers cannot be removed by the centre alone. Devolution hands powers down from a central parliament that still holds ultimate authority and could in principle take them back.

Which countries use federalism?

Among the best-known examples are the United States, Germany, India, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Switzerland and Nigeria. The details vary widely, particularly over how tax revenue is split and which level controls courts and policing.

What is the meaning of federalism?

"federalism" (noun) means a system of government in which power is shared between one central authority and a set of regional governments, each with its own areas of control that the other cannot simply override.

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segregation separatist centralism secessionism separatism unitarism