statism

noun6

1. •
   The belief that most or all political power should be centralized in national governments.

   • Bismarck... believes in State insurance in State activities, in place of individual action. But this is not Socialism. It is Statism. — 1890
2. •
   The belief that the state is a legitimate social institution.
3. •
   The belief that most or nearly all political power should be decentralized to provincial governments.

   • The joint note of Austria and Prussia... appears thus to have worked more good than moderation and good sense generally achieve over faction and petty-Statism. — 1854
4. •
   (no longer used) Synonym of government or governance.

   • [The Ten Commandments] have formed the basis of every system of statism adopted by the civilized communities of the earth. — 1839
5. •
   (no longer used) Synonym of statecraft or statesmanship.

   • My great Cousin hauing euermore From my greene yeares accepted my aduise In points of statisme... — 1608
6. •
   (no longer used) Synonym of secularism: subservience of religious issues to political officials and expediency.

   • Religion turned into Statisme, will soone prooue Atheisme. — 1609