federalism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a system of government in which constitutional power is divided between a central authority and constituent regions or states

   Under federalism, both the national government and the provinces possess protected powers.

2. 2
   noun

   the political principle or movement favoring such a division of power

   The party embraced federalism as a way to protect regional autonomy.

Formed from federal + -ism. Federal came through French federal from Latin foedus, 'covenant, treaty, or league.' The word therefore preserves the idea of distinct political communities bound together by an agreement that allocates authority among them.

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