A political system emphasizing canton autonomy and independence; regional or local self-governance rather than centralized control.
From cantonal plus the suffix -ism, creating a noun for a political ideology or system. This term became prominent during 19th-century Spanish political debates and Swiss governance discussions.
Spanish radicals in the 1870s championed 'cantonalism' as their dream of revolutionary freedom—each region governing itself in loose federation. It failed spectacularly but showed how radical federalism can capture imaginations.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.