You have hit the crux of the problem. Federalist meant — and should mean today — a greater emphasis on state authority than federal (or national authority). Hamilton’s little ploy still confuses people today. Thanks to Hamilton, people still tend to think of a Federalist favoring a greater national authority, when in the strictest sense of the word, it should mean the opposite.
Thanks. Definitely bookmarking. Very informative and poignant...especially the last sentence.
Alexander Hamilton and George Washington had worked to strengthen the Articles of Confederation since the approach of peace in 1783.
Along with Robert Morris, James Madison and others they were known for these efforts to convince the states to grant adequate, real powers to the AC.
They thus earned the reputation as strong 'federal men.'
You can dispute whether the government they designed, which included the states was federal enough, but it was not propaganda at all to claim the title of The Federalist for their New York newspaper columns.
It made a heck of a lot more sense to refer to constitutional supporters as federal than it does today to refer to conservative states today as 'red.'
Thank you for clearing that up, dear Publius! Hamilton himself is a tad confusing, on his history. So is Jefferson for that matter. Whatever, we are all sinners. But I just hate it when people gratuitously change the historical meaning of words....
Anyhoot, by the above definition, I'm definitely a Federalist.
Thank you so very much for this excellent, thought-provoking article, Publius!