1. a person who supports a federal system of government
2. a supporter of the Federalist Party in early American history
Usage: historical

1. relating to or supporting federalism or a federal system of government

Examples

• Alexander Hamilton was a prominent federalist who advocated for a strong central government.
• The federalist approach divides power between national and state governments.
• Many federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution.
• The debate between federalist and anti-federalist views shaped early American politics.
• She holds federalist beliefs about the proper balance of governmental authority.
• The Federalist Papers were written to promote federalist ideas.
• Modern federalist systems can be found in countries like Germany and Canada.