Autonomism (political doctrine)
Autonomism is a political doctrine which supports acquiring or preserving political autonomy of a nation or a region. It is not necessarily opposed to federalism, and souverainism necessarily implies autonomism, but not vice versa.
Examples of autonomist parties include Action démocratique du Québec and its successor Coalition Avenir Québec in Canada (Quebec), New Macau Association in China (Macau), Parti progressiste martiniquais (Martinique) in France, Scottish National Party in the United Kingdom, Lega Nord in Italy (Northern Italy) and Popular Democratic Party in the United States (Puerto Rico).
Canada
Autonomism is a policy defended by four Quebec political parties, the Union Nationale (UN), the Action démocratique du Québec (ADQ), its successor Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and the Équipe Autonomiste (EA), are provincial parties which aims to obtain certain federal capacities and to give the title of autonomous State to the province of Quebec.
Spain
The Autonomous Communities of Spain may demonstrate the doctrine although it is limited in its extent.
Switzerland
The 26 Cantons of Switzerland demonstrate autonomism in a federal state. The Swiss Federal Constitution declares the cantons to be sovereign to the extent their sovereignty is not limited by federal law. The cantons also retain all powers and competencies not delegated to the Confederation by the Constitution.