Political Glossary

Federalism

The constitutional division of power between the national government and the states.

Courts
Updated Jun 16, 2026
2 linked surveys
In plain English
How power splits between nation and states.

Federalism is the rulebook for which level of government — Washington or your state — gets to decide what.

Simple example
Marijuana policy shows federalism in action: many states have legalized it while it remains prohibited under federal law.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Policy patchwork

Abortion, guns, voting rules, and marijuana law differ dramatically by state because of federalism.

Laboratories of democracy

States can test policies before they go national — and serve as checks when one party controls Washington.

How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Enumerated powers

The federal government holds the powers the Constitution lists; the Tenth Amendment reserves the rest to states.

Supremacy & preemption

Valid federal law overrides conflicting state law — so the fights are over what federal power validly covers.

You’ve learned the term. Now vote.
Should states retain primary control over interstate river water under federal compacts?
Live results — 95 voters
Yes — states should manage their own water allocations with minimal federal involvement25%
Yes — but federal agencies should mediate when states cannot agree27%
No — the federal government should have stronger authority over shared rivers16%
No — interstate rivers should be managed by a dedicated federal water authority32%
See how 95 Americans voted
Cast your vote to unlock the results
Anonymous · one vote per person