federalism
Definition
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) authority and various constituent units, such as states or provinces. This division of power allows for a balance that enables different regions with diverse needs to govern themselves while still being part of a larger political framework.
Analogy
Think of federalism like a large school district. The district administration (central authority) sets overall policies and standards, but each school (constituent unit) can adapt certain rules to better fit their students' needs, such as dress codes or extracurricular activities, while still adhering to the broader educational requirements.
Related terms
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in federalism, both the national government and the constituent units possess sovereignty within their realms.
Decentralization: The transfer of control of an activity or organization to several local offices or authorities rather than one single one; federalism inherently involves decentralization of powers.
Unitary State: A sovereign state governed as a single entity where the central government holds supreme authority, contrasting with the divided powers in federalism
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