A person who supports or advocates for a federal system of government where power is shared between a central authority and regional groups.
From 'federation' + '-ist' (one who practices or believes in). Emerged in political discourse during the 1800s, especially during debates about how nations should organize themselves.
During the American Civil War, federationists faced their greatest test—they believed in keeping states together while respecting their independence, but the war showed how fragile that balance could be.
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