Federalist: meaning, definitions and examples

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federalist

[ ˈfɛdərəlɪst ]

^{Context #1}

political theory

A supporter or advocate of federalism, a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Synonyms

centralist, federalism supporter, states' rights advocate

Examples of usage

The Federalists believed in a strong central government.
She is a committed Federalist, supporting the idea of states' rights.

^{Context #2}

historical context

A member or supporter of the Federalist Party, a political party in the early years of the United States.

Synonyms

Federalist Party member, Hamiltonian

Examples of usage

Alexander Hamilton was a prominent Federalist in the early days of the US.
The Federalists favored a strong national government.

^{Context #3}

American history

One of the authors of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays advocating the ratification of the US Constitution.

Synonyms

Constitution advocate, Federalist Papers author

Examples of usage

James Madison was a key Federalist in writing the Federalist Papers.
The Federalist Papers are important documents in American history.

Translations

Translations of the word "federalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 federalista

🇮🇳 संघवादी

🇩🇪 Föderalist

🇮🇩 federalis

🇺🇦 федераліст

🇵🇱 federalista

🇯🇵 連邦主義者

🇫🇷 fédéraliste

🇪🇸 federalista

🇹🇷 federalist

🇰🇷 연방주의자

🇸🇦 فيدرالي

🇨🇿 federalista

🇸🇰 federalista

🇨🇳 联邦主义者

🇸🇮 federalist

🇮🇸 sambandsinni

🇰🇿 федералист

🇬🇪 ფედერალისტი

🇦🇿 federalist

🇲🇽 federalista

Word origin

The term 'Federalist' originated in the United States during the late 18th century, as a political label for those who supported the ratification of the US Constitution and the establishment of a strong central government. The Federalist Party, led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, advocated for a loose interpretation of the Constitution and a strong national government. The Federalist Papers, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the early United States. Over time, the term has come to represent not only a political party but also a broader ideology of federalism and centralized authority.