Federalism vs Localism
Federalism is the principle that power should be constitutionally divided between a central government and regional units, so that each has its own guaranteed area of authority.
- Power should be divided between a central government and regional governments.
- Each level should have powers guaranteed by a constitution.
- Dividing power protects against tyranny and abuse.
Localism holds that political power, economic activity and community life should be organized at the smallest practical level, close to the people they affect.
- Decisions should be made at the lowest level of government that can handle them.
- Local communities understand their own needs better than distant authorities.
- Local businesses, farms and energy sources strengthen community resilience.
- Federalism: petals and stars
- Localism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Trade90 points apart
Federalism: Global (mild). Localism: Protected (moderate).
- Structure35 points apart
Federalism: Local (moderate). Localism: Local (strong).
- Technology35 points apart
Federalism: Balanced. Localism: Caution (moderate).
- Markets30 points apart
Federalism: Free (mild). Localism: Planned (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Foreign policy · 0 apart
- Morality · 0 apart
- Security · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Localism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipMild: Private45%55%PublicPrivate
- MarketsMild: Free45%55%PlannedFree
- WelfareBalanced50%50%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Democratic80%20%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityMild: Liberty55%45%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Local80%20%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityBalanced50%50%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionMild: Secular60%40%SecularReligious
- TechnologyBalanced50%50%EmbraceCaution
- CultureMild: Multicultural55%45%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeMild: Global65%35%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyMild: Cooperation65%35%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Federalism or Localism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Federalism or Localism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Federalism vs Localism
What is the difference between Federalism and Localism?
Federalism is the principle that power should be constitutionally divided between a central government and regional units, so that each has its own guaranteed area of authority. Localism holds that political power, economic activity and community life should be organized at the smallest practical level, close to the people they affect. On the 12 axes they differ most on trade, structure, technology.
What do Federalism and Localism have in common?
Their positions are closest on foreign policy, morality, security. Overall their profiles are a 83% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Federalism or Localism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.
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