What is the definition of federalism?

Federalism is defined as a system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central authority and constituent political units, in this case, the individual states. In the context of the United States, federalism describes the relationship between the federal government and the 50 states, where both levels of government have defined roles and responsibilities.

This structure allows for a distribution of power that enables states to govern themselves in certain areas while still being subject to the overarching authority of the federal government in other matters. For instance, states have the power to enact their own laws regarding education and transportation, while the federal government manages national defense and immigration. This balance helps to protect the rights of the states and promotes a diversity of policies tailored to the specific needs of different regions.

Understanding federalism is critical because it illustrates how governance can be both centralized and decentralized, allowing for a more responsive and adaptable political system.