Federalism
Definition
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.
Analogy
Think of federalism like a sports team. The coach (the federal government) sets the overall strategy and rules, but each player (the states) has their own specific role and responsibilities within that larger framework.
Related terms
Unitary System: A system of political organization in which most or all of the governing power resides in a centralized government.
Confederation: A union of sovereign groups or states united for purposes of common action.
Devolution: The transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration.
"Federalism" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (4)
Which describes federalism in terms of forms of governance?
Which of these countries best exemplifies federalism by allocating significant powers to regions or states within its territory?
How does federalism influence spatial organization within states?
Which two examples from history exemplify the impact of federalism on socio-economic development?
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