Federalist - Definition and Overview

The term federalist can refer to different ideologies, depending on the locale. It usually has a link, close or not, to the concept of a federation.

• In Europe a 'federalist' is sometimes a proponent of:
  • greater regional autonomy within a nation (especially in countries such as Switzerland).
  • greater integration, or centralisation, within the European Union.

• In Quebec, a federalist, in regards to the future of the Quebec people and the National Question, defends the concept of Quebec remaining within Canada, while either keeping the status quo or pursuing greater autonomy and national recognition for Quebec within the Canadian federation. This ideology is opposed to Quebec sovereigntism, proponent of Quebec independence, most often (but not for all followers) along with an economic union with Canada similar to the European Union.

• In the United States a 'federalist' is usually a member of one of two groups:
  • Statesmen and public figures supporting ratification of the proposed Constitution of the United States between 1787 and 1789. The Federalist Papers are documents associated with their movement.
  • Statesmen and public figures supporting the administrations of Presidents George Washington (1789–1797) and John Adams (1797–1801). Especially in the later years they are also called the Federalist Party.