Define "federalism."

Federalism is defined as a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This division allows for multiple levels of government to coexist, each with its own responsibilities and powers. In a federal system, certain powers are reserved for the national government, while others are left to the states, enabling local governance on issues that may be better managed at a closer level to the citizens.

This structure encourages a balance of power, providing a framework in which both the national and state governments can operate independently and collaboratively. This system is designed to protect individual liberties, foster regional diversity, and reduce the risk of centralized power leading to tyranny. In contrast, centralized systems concentrate authority in a single national government, which does not reflect the principles of federalism. Additionally, federalism does not inherently reject democracy; rather, it often supports democratic processes by ensuring that various levels of governance are accountable to the citizens they serve.