Federalize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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federalize

[หˆfษ›dษ™rษ™หŒlaษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

government

To make something subject to federal government control or jurisdiction.

Synonyms

centralize, nationalize, unify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
federalize

Use when referring to the process of bringing smaller regions or states under a federal system where they maintain some independence but are united under a central authority.

  • The attempt to federalize the school system aimed to balance local autonomy with national standards.
  • After the revolution, the government decided to federalize power to ensure more regional representation.
centralize

Best used when talking about concentrating control or power under a single, central authority, often in scenarios like administrative decisions, business operations, or political power. It can have a negative connotation if it implies reducing local autonomy.

  • The company decided to centralize its operations to improve efficiency.
  • Critics argued that the government's plan to centralize all educational institutions would reduce the quality of local schools.
nationalize

This word is suitable for contexts where the state takes control or ownership of private enterprises to make them part of the national government. Often used in economic or political discussions.

  • The government chose to nationalize the oil industry to protect national resources.
  • After the financial crisis, several banks were nationalized to prevent economic collapse.
unify

Use this when talking about bringing together different groups, regions, or ideas into a single unit or entity, particularly in social, political, or organizational contexts.

  • The new policy aims to unify the diverse communities within the city.
  • The president called for efforts to unify the nation after years of division.

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to federalize the healthcare system.
  • The proposal to federalize education sparked a heated debate.
Context #2 | Verb

law enforcement

To transfer control of law enforcement activities from local to federal authorities.

Synonyms

centralize, nationalize, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
federalize

Use this term when talking about distributing power from a central government to regional governments or states within a nation. It's often used in political discussions about governance structure.

  • The goal is to federalize the healthcare system, giving more authority to individual states.
  • The effort to federalize the education system aimed to allow states to develop their own curricula.
centralize

This term is appropriate when discussing the consolidation of control and decision-making authority into a single central organization or government. It often implies reducing powers of regional entities.

  • The company decided to centralize its operations to streamline decision making.
  • The government moved to centralize law enforcement to ensure uniform policies across the country.
nationalize

This word is used when a government takes control of private assets or industries and converts them into state-owned enterprises. It often has negative connotations related to loss of private ownership.

  • The government plans to nationalize the telecommunications industry to reduce costs for consumers.
  • After the financial crisis, there were calls to nationalize certain banks to stabilize the economy.
transfer

Use this term when talking about moving responsibilities, assets, or people from one place or entity to another. It's a more general term and can apply in various contexts like business, education, or government.

  • The company will transfer its headquarters to a new city next year.
  • She decided to transfer to another department for better career opportunities.

Examples of usage

  • The decision to federalize the investigation helped to expedite the process.
  • In times of crisis, the government may choose to federalize the response.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • Federalism allows different levels of government to share control, balancing power between local and national authorities.
  • Countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany use a federal system, each with a unique approach to governance.
  • Debates about federalism often center on the balance of powerโ€”how much authority should rest with the national government versus individual states.

Current Events

  • In recent years, discussions around federalizing aspects of healthcare and environmental policies have intensified in various countries.
  • The push to federalize education standards has led to debates about national versus local control over schooling.
  • Global crises like climate change and the pandemic have prompted calls for greater federalization of resources and responses to ensure unity.

International Relations

  • Many countries have faced challenges in federalizing regions with distinct cultural identities, reflecting the complexity of governance.
  • The European Union operates on a form of federalization where member states collaborate while retaining certain levels of independence.
  • Federalizing territory can sometimes lead to tensions, as seen in post-colonial nations striving for unification among diverse ethnic groups.

Legal Studies

  • Federalization processes often involve constitutional amendments, outlined in legal frameworks for adjusting governance.
  • The legal definition of federalism can vary between countries, influencing how laws are applied and enforced at state and national levels.
  • Judicial interpretation can play a significant role in determining the extent of federal versus state powers, shaping the balance of governance.

Origin of 'federalize'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'federare', meaning 'to league or bind together'.
  • In the 19th century, 'federalize' was first used to describe the process of forming a more organized national government from independent states.
  • The prefix 'fed' relates to 'fides', which means 'faith', suggesting trust among states in a federal system.

The word 'federalize' originated from the combination of the words 'federal' and 'ize', with 'federal' referring to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. The term began to gain prominence in the early 20th century with the expansion of federal powers in various countries, particularly in the United States. Today, 'federalize' is commonly used in discussions about governance, law enforcement, and jurisdictional control.


See also: federalist.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,912, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.