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federalism |
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federalism. 1 In political science, see federal government federal government or federation, government of a union of states in which sovereignty is divided between a central authority and component state authorities. 2 In U.S. history, see states' rights states' rights, in U.S. history, doctrine based on the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. federalismPolitical system that binds a group of states into a larger, noncentralized, superior state while allowing them to maintain their own political identities. Certain characteristics and principles are common to all successful federal systems: a written constitution or basic law stipulating the distribution of powers; diffusion of power among the constituent elements, which are substantially self-sustaining; and territorial divisions to ensure neutrality and equality in the representation of various groups and interests. Changes require the consent of those affected. Successful federal systems also have a sense of common nationality and direct lines of communication between the citizens and all the governments that serve them. Examples of modern federal systems include the U.S., Brazil, Germany, and Nigeria. See also Federalist papers; Federalist Party. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Many like the results of some of that micro-management, but our constitutional federalism and its protections against government abuse have been lost. Opponents of federalism have been seeking to delay any vote for at least 18 months, hoping that the central government will be stronger by then. Is this 2006 version of federalism what the Founding Fathers had in mind in the Constitution? |
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