Austrian Federalism is a political system in which the Republic of Austria is divided into nine federal states, known as Bundesländer. Each state has its own government and constitution, allowing for a degree of autonomy in local matters such as education, health, and transportation. The federal structure is designed to balance power between the national government and the states, promoting regional representation. This system helps accommodate the diverse cultural and linguistic groups within Austria, ensuring that local interests are considered in the broader national framework.