Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major political party in the United States in the early 19th century: The Federalist Party was one of the first two political parties in the United States. It was founded by Alexander Hamilton and other leaders who supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The party's policies favored a strong, centralized national government, a robust financial system, and closer ties with Great Britain over France.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Federalist Party was influential during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams.
  • Alexander Hamilton, a founder of the Federalist Party, authored many of the Federalist Papers to advocate for the Constitution.
  • Opposition to the Federalist Party led to the formation of the Democratic-Republican Party.

Advanced Usage

• Historical reference: The term is used to describe the political philosophy, policies, or era associated with this party.
  • Federalist Party ideals emphasized national authority over states' rights.
• As an adjective (Federalist): When used adjectivally, it describes something related to the party or its principles. Note: This is a related usage of the root word "Federalist," not the compound "Federalist Party" itself.
  • He studied Federalist economic policies. (This refers to the policies of the Federalist Party).

Variants and Related Words

• Federalist (noun/adjective): A supporter or member of the Federalist Party; pertaining to the party or its principles.
  • As a Federalist, he supported a strong central bank.
• Federalism (noun): The political principle advocating a strong central government, which the party supported.
  • The debate over federalism was central to the early republic.
• Anti-Federalist (noun): An opponent of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution; later, generally opposed to Federalist Party policies.
  • The Anti-Federalists were concerned about too much power concentrating in a national government.

Synonyms

• Hamiltonians: A term sometimes used to describe supporters of Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Party's policies.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• The Federalist Papers: A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym "Publius" to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. While not the party itself, these papers are intrinsically linked to the ideology of its founders.
  • The arguments in The Federalist Papers laid the intellectual groundwork for the Federalist Party.
• Era of Good Feelings: The period following the decline of the Federalist Party, marked by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party and a temporary decline in partisan conflict.
  • The Federalist Party had largely dissolved by the start of the Era of Good Feelings.

Noun

1. a major political party in the United States in the early 19th century; founded by Alexander Hamilton; favored a strong centralized government