federalism
UK: ˈfedərəlɪzəm | US: ˈfedərəlɪzəm
n. a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (e.g., states or provinces)
n. advocacy or support for such a system
The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting debates over centralized vs. decentralized governance. "Federal" originally described alliances (e.g., the U.S. Constitution’s "federal union"), while "-ism" formalized it as a political concept. The morphemes combine to emphasize a structured balance of power.
Federalism allows states to govern local issues independently.
The country adopted federalism to accommodate regional diversity.
Critics argue federalism can lead to inefficient bureaucracy.
Canadian federalism divides responsibilities between provinces and Ottawa.
The senator advocates for stronger federalism to unify the nation.