federalist

/ˈfɛdərəlɪst/
noun
  1. A person who supports or advocates for a federal system of government, especially one with a strong central authority.
    • During the convention, the federalists won the debate over the new constitution.
    • The federalists argued that a strong national government would keep the country united.
    • As a federalist, she believes that shared power between states and the nation is the best system.
  2. A member or supporter of the Federalist Party in early U.S. history.
    • The federalists wanted a national bank and closer ties with Britain.
    • Alexander Hamilton was a leading federalist who wrote many essays supporting the Constitution.
    • Many federalists later became members of the Whig Party.
adjective
  1. Relating to or supporting federalism.
    • The federalist viewpoint emphasizes the importance of a unified national government.
    • She wrote a federalist essay arguing for a stronger central authority.
    • The federalist position gained popularity after the war.