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Federalism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional units, allowing both to operate independently within their own spheres.

federalism

/ˈfɛdərəˌlɪzəm/ /ˈfɛdərəlɪzəm/

Definition:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional units.

Synonyms:

decentralization, confederation, unionism

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

centralization, unitarism

Common Collocations:

federal system, federal structure, federal government, federal powers

Derivatives:

federalist, federalize, federate

Usage Tips:

Use "federalism" to describe power-sharing between national and local governments in political discussions.

Common Phrases:

cooperative federalism, dual federalism, fiscal federalism

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "foedus" (treaty), referring to a union of states under a central government.

Examples:

  • 1. The U.S. Constitution established federalism to balance national and state powers.
  • 2. Federalism allows regions to govern themselves while following national laws.
  • 3. Canada's federalism gives provinces control over education and healthcare.
  • 4. Debates about federalism often focus on states' rights versus central authority.

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