What is the best definition of federalism?

Answer 1

Federalism is a political concept in which a group of members are bound together by covenant) with a governing representative head. The term "federalism" is also used to describe a system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units (such as states or provinces). Federalism is a system based upon democratic rules and institutions in which the power to govern is shared between national and provincial/state governments, creating what is often called a federation. The term federalist describes several political beliefs around the world. Also, it may refer to the concept of parties; its members or supporters called themselves Federalists

Answer 2

system of checks and balances

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units or Advocacy of such a system of government.
Federalism generally refers to a government system with at least two levels: the idea is to concentrate power in at least two layers of government so that they can check and balance each other out. In this manner, no one level becomes too powerful. A good example is the United States. The Federal level is composed of the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. While Federal Laws do not automatically trump what the states do, they can if state law conflicts with Federal law. This is why slavery and segregation are no longer legal... the Federal government has forbidden the states to have laws allowing for it. Nor can states print their own money or set up tolls on borders to other states. On the other hand, the states are entrusted with enormous state police and health and safety powers. While there is no actual Federal police force, the states all have their own state police appartus and county officers. They levy their own taxes and make their own laws, but cannot tax the Federal government. They have their own militia. The federal government cannot tax the states' governments, but they can tax the U.S. citizens who live in the states. Each state has its own governor (like the President in the Federal system), its own legislature (like the Congress in the Federal system), and its own court system. Basically, it's a balanced system wherin each side is watching the other, and the power of government is divided between the local and national levels.