What is federalism?

Federalism is best defined as a system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. This structure allows for a distribution of authority that enables different levels of government—such as national, state, and local—to coexist and function independently. Each level has its own powers and responsibilities, allowing for both centralized and regional governance.

In this system, the central government typically handles issues that affect the entire country, such as national defense, foreign affairs, and immigration policies, while the states or local governments manage regional matters, including education, transportation, and local law enforcement. Federalism is a framework that promotes a balance of power, creating a system of checks and balances that can prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

This understanding of federalism emphasizes the importance of both national and local governance working in tandem, which is a foundational principle of the United States Constitution.