fed·er·al·ism 
(fĕdər-ə-lĭz′əm, fĕdrə-)
(fĕdər-ə-lĭz′əm, fĕdrə-)n.
1.
a. A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
b. Advocacy of such a system of government.
2. Federalism The doctrine of the Federalist Party.