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.

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