The concept of "federalism" in governance is often associated with the Roman Empire, particularly during its later stages. As the Empire expanded, it incorporated various regions and cultures, necessitating a system of governance that balanced local autonomy with central authority. While the term federalism itself is modern, the Romans utilized methods that can be understood as federal, granting certain rights and degrees of self-governance to provinces and local leaders. This approach allowed for greater stability and administration of vast territories. The legacy of Roman federalism influenced many modern federal systems worldwide and continues to be studied in political science.