What is federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central (national) government and regional (state or provincial) governments. This structure allows different levels of government to have authority over certain areas, providing a balance that helps manage the needs of a large and diverse population. Rather than having all governmental power concentrated at the national level, federalism spreads authority across multiple layers, each with its own responsibilities. In a federal system, the constitution typically outlines the specific powers granted to the national government and those reserved for the regional governments. For example, the national government might handle defense, foreign policy, and currency regulation, while state or provincial governments manage education, local law enforcement, and infrastructure. Both levels often have the power to tax, create laws, and enforce regulations within their jurisdictions. This division of power helps prevent any one level of government from becoming too powerful and allows for local governments to address community-specific issues more effectively. Federalism also encourages political participation at multiple levels and can foster innovation in policy-making as states or regions try different approaches to common problems. Countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia are examples of federal systems in practice.