Federalist
The term
federalist refers to a proponent of one of several different ideologies, depending on the locale or subject matter. It usually has reference to the concept of
federalism or the type of
government called a
federation. Sometimes it refers to an advocate of a type of government more properly called a
confederation.
*In
Europe a
federalist is sometimes a proponent of:
**Greater regional
autonomy within a country (especially in states such as
Switzerland and
Belgium).
**Greater integration,
centralisation or
supranationalism within the
European Union.
*In
Quebec, a
federalist, in regard to 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
Canada as a whole, a federalist is one who supports the centralisation of power in the federal government, rather than the distribution of power amongst the provinces.
*In the
United States the term
federalist usually applies to a member of one of three groups:
**Historically:
***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.
**In contemporary usage, federalists advocate the principle of allowing greater regional autonomy within the United States — usually by allowing individual states to set their own agendas and determine the handling of issues, rather than trying to impose a
federal solution. Usually
federalism is proposed as a solution to issues that may have strong support in some parts of the country and strong opposition in other parts, for example: restrictions on
abortion,
gay marriage,
euthanasia,
medicinal use of cannabis,
gun rights and restrictions on
property rights.
***
The Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies is an organization of conservative and libertarian lawyers and others dedicated to debate of these principles.
** The
World Federalist Movement. "World federalists support the creation of democratic global structures accountable to the citizens of the world and call for the division of international authority among separate agencies."
*
Federalism*
Anti-Federalism*
Federation*
Confederation*
World Federation*
World Federalist Movement
