Anti-Federalist
|an-ti-fed-er-al-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈfɛd(ɚ.ə)lɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈfɛd(ə)rəlɪst/
against strong centralized federal power
Etymology
'Anti-Federalist' originates from American English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek via Latin meaning 'against') combined with 'Federalist' (one who supports a federal system).
'Anti-Federalist' arose during the U.S. Constitutional debates of 1787–1788 as a label for those opposing the proposed Constitution; 'Federalist' itself derives from 'federal' (from Latin 'foedus' meaning 'treaty' or 'league').
Initially, it specifically referred to opponents of ratifying the 1787 U.S. Constitution; over time the term has also been used more broadly for those who oppose strong centralized federal authority.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member or supporter of the political movement in the United States (c. 1787–1788) that opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution because they feared excessive central (national) government power and sought stronger protections for states' rights and individual liberties.
An Anti-Federalist argued that the proposed Constitution gave too much power to a national government and lacked a bill of rights.
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Noun 2
more generally, a person who opposes a strong central (federal) government or who favors greater power for regional or local governments.
In modern debates, someone described as an Anti-Federalist might favor decentralization and greater state autonomy.
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Last updated: 2025/10/28 11:38