What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
federalism
Example
The United States operates under a federalism system, with power divided between the federal government and individual states. [federalism: noun]
Example
Federalism allows for a balance of power between the national government and state governments. [federalism: noun]
decentralization
Example
The company implemented a decentralization strategy, giving more decision-making power to regional managers. [decentralization: noun]
Example
Decentralization can help promote greater accountability and responsiveness to local needs. [decentralization: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Federalism is more commonly used than decentralization in political discourse and academic literature. Federalism is a well-established concept in political science and has been adopted by many countries around the world. Decentralization, on the other hand, is a more recent concept and has been implemented in various forms in different countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between federalism and decentralization?
Federalism is generally associated with a formal and institutional tone, as it is often enshrined in constitutions and legal frameworks. Decentralization, on the other hand, is associated with a more informal and flexible tone, as it can be implemented through a variety of administrative or policy measures.
