Federalism Definition History Characteristics Facts Britannica

Leo Migdal

-Dec 3, 2025, 10:42 AM

federalism definition history characteristics facts britannica

Federalism is a mode of government that combines a general level of government (a central or federal government) with a regional level of sub-unit governments (e.g., provinces, states, cantons, territories, etc.), while dividing the... Two illustrative examples of federated countries—one of the world's oldest federations, and one recently organized—are Australia and Micronesia. Johannes Althusius (1563–1638) is considered the father of modern federalism, along with Montesquieu. In 1603, Althusius first described the bases of this political philosophy in his Politica Methodice Digesta, Atque Exemplis Sacris et Profanis Illustrata.[1] By 1748, in his treatise The Spirit of Law, Montesquieu (1689-1755) observed... Federalism differs from confederalism, where the central government is created subordinate to the regional states—and is notable for its regional-separation of governing powers (e.g., in the United States, the Articles of Confederation as the... And federalism also differs from the unitary state, where the regional level is subordinate to the central/federal government, even after a devolution of powers—and is notable for regional-integration of governing powers, (e.g., the United...

Federalism is at the midpoint of variations on the pathway (or spectrum) of regional-integration or regional-separation. It is bordered on the increasing-separation side by confederalism, and on the increasing-integration side by devolution within a unitary state; (see "pathway" graphic).[5][6] Some characterize the European Union as a pioneering example of federalism in a multi-state setting—with the concept termed a "federal union of states", as situated on the pathway (spectrum) of regional-integration or regional-separation.[7][8] The word “federal” is derived from the Latin word foedus, meaning covenant, pact, or treaty. Federalism is both a principle and a form of government. As a principle, federalism is concerned with combining self-rule and shared rule and linking individuals, groups, and polities in lasting but limited union so as to provide for the energetic pursuit of common ends...

The federal principle aims at establishing justice among the consenting partners and ensuring liberty. A federal arrangement is a partnership, established and regulated by a covenant. A covenant is a voluntary agreement, often written, between co-equals who agree to come together and form a lasting union for certain purposes such as the common defense and general welfare. In contrast to a social contract, the word “covenant” suggests a moral dimension and appeal to a higher moral source. The U.S. Declaration of Independence is an example.

The internal relationships of a federal system reflect a special kind of sharing that must prevail among the partners based on a mutual recognition of the integrity of each partner and the attempt to... As a political principle, federalism is concerned with the constitutional diffusion of power so that the constituting members in a federal arrangement share in the process of common policy-making and administration by right, while... Federal systems do this by constitutionally distributing power among general and constituent governing bodies in a manner intended to protect the existence and authority of all. Basic policies are ideally made and implemented through negotiation based on mutual consent among the members so that all share in the system’s decision-making and executing processes. As such, federalism is both a structure and a process. Accordingly, federalism is a voluntary form of government and mode of governance that establishes unity while preserving diversity by constitutionally uniting separate political communities (e.g., the 13 original U.S.

states) into a limited, but encompassing, political community (e.g., the United States) called a federal polity. Federalism may also be used to establish and organize nongovernmental organizations such as interest groups and political parties – a common practice in federal polities. Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments, allowing for shared authority and responsibilities. This structure promotes a balance of power, enabling both levels of government to operate independently while still being interdependent. Federalism plays a critical role in the formation and functioning of the United States government, influencing debates over the extent of federal versus state powers. The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others. A union of sovereign groups or states, often created for purposes of mutual defense or cooperation, but with a weak central authority. Did you ever wonder why you don't need a passport to go from New York to California, but if you were to move from one state to another, you would need a new driver's... Or why you can use the same currency in all states, but not be subject to the same speed limits? Or why you have to pay both federal and state taxes? The maze of national and state regulations results from federalism — the decision made by the Founders to split power between state and national governments.

As James Madison explained in the "Federalist Papers," our government is "neither wholly national nor wholly federal." In creating a federalist system the founders were reacting to both the British government and the Articles of Confederation. The British government was — and remains — a unitary system, or one in which power is concentrated in a central government. In England, government has traditionally been centralized in London, and even though local governments exist, they generally have only those powers granted them by Parliament. The national government is supreme, and grants or retains powers to and from local governments at its whim. The Articles of Confederation represented an opposite form of government, a confederation, which has a weak central government and strong state governments.

In a confederation, the state or local government is supreme. The national government only wields powers granted by the states. Most confederations have allowed the local government to nullify a federal law within its own borders. Federalism is a compromise meant to eliminate the disadvantages of both systems. In a federal system, power is shared by the national and state governments. The Constitution designates certain powers to be the domain of a central government, and others are specifically reserved to the state governments.

Federalism Definition History Characteristics Facts Britannica

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