Federalist

/ˈfɛd.ɚ.əl.ɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An advocate or supporter of federalism, which refers to the principle of a strong centralized government that shares power with regional governments.

The federalists argued that a strong national government was necessary for the country's survival.

A member of the Federalist Party, an early political party in the United States that supported the Constitution and a strong federal government.

As a federalist, he believed in the importance of a unified nation under a central authority.

A person who believes in the distribution of power among various levels of government, particularly in a federal system.

Federalists often clash with those who favor a more decentralized government structure.

From Latin 'foedus' meaning 'covenant' or 'league'.

Federalist Papers

A collection of essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist Society

A group of legal practitioners and scholars promoting an originalist and textualist interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

federalism

The advocacy of a federal system of government.

centralism

The concentration of power and control in a central authority.