# federalist

/ˈfɛdɝəɫɪst/ (US) · /fˈɛdəɹəlˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/federalist
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a person who supports a system of government where power is shared between a central authority and local states.

For teachers: an advocate of a system of government in which several states unite under a central authority while remaining independent in internal affairs.

## Examples

- The federalist argued for a stronger central government.
- During the constitutional debates, the federalist faction pushed for a unified national bank to stabilize the economy.
- The tension between the federalist vision of a cohesive national identity and the localist desire for state autonomy has shaped the country's legal landscape for centuries.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the specific 18th-century American political party, it is typically capitalized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.