What does the term 'federalism' directly imply about power distribution?

The term 'federalism' primarily refers to a system of government in which power is shared and divided between a central authority and various constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This distribution of power creates a system wherein both levels of government have their own responsibilities and can operate independently within their designated areas. Consequently, federalism implies a decentralized power structure, as authority is not concentrated in one central government but is instead spread across multiple levels of government.

In contexts where power is centralized, it typically means that a single entity or national government holds the majority of authority, which contradicts the very essence of federalism. Similarly, suggesting that power is uncontested overlooks the dynamic nature of the relationships and conflicts that can arise between different levels of government in a federal system. Finally, the notion that power is exclusive to the national government runs counter to the principles of federalism, which actively involve state or local governments in governance, ensuring that they maintain certain powers and responsibilities.