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federalism
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Venn diagram illustrating the division of powers under U.S. federalism, with the left circle listing national government powers, the right circle listing state government powers, and the overlapping center showing concurrent powers shared by both. Constitution of the United States of America
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Venn diagram illustrating the division of powers under U.S. federalism, with the left circle listing national government powers, the right circle listing state government powers, and the overlapping center showing concurrent powers shared by both.
government powers under U.S. federalism A Venn diagram showing government powers under U.S. federalism.

federalism

political science
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federalism, mode of political organization that unites separate states or other polities within an overarching political system in a way that allows each to maintain its own integrity. Federal systems do this by requiring that basic policies be made and implemented through negotiation in some form, so that all the members can share in making and executing decisions. The political principles that animate federal systems emphasize the primacy of bargaining and negotiated coordination among several...

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