1. supporters of a federal system of government in which power is shared between a central authority and constituent political units
2. members or supporters of the Federalist Party in early American history
Usage: historical

Examples

• The Federalists believed in a strong central government.
• Alexander Hamilton was one of the leading Federalists.
• Federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution.
• The debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists shaped early America.
• Modern federalists advocate for shared power between national and state governments.
• The Federalist Party dominated politics in the 1790s.
• European federalists work toward greater integration among member nations.