This topic drives me crazy...because every time I read this stuff I’m STILL left with the same problem: So, when somebody uses the word “federalist,” do they mean strong central government or strong state rights? And do THEY know the difference? Because if they don’t, everything is still confused.
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.
As Publius says, this is the crux of the issue... {I am a bit sick and have just scanned the article... will read it in detail later} Whatever one may think about the issue of slavery [I think it is abominable] it is difficult for people to realize that one perhaps unintended side effect to the War Between the States was the weakening of state's rights... because of the heavy hand of Lincoln and his decision that the Union was the most important principle to be enforced. He even deported an Ohio congressman to Canada that loudly opposed him!
Washington carpetbaggers further emaciated state's rights with the Fourth Branch of government: the federal bureaucracies. By sneaking through the income tax amendment Washington began to drain wealth from the local communities, constructed the 'Agencies' and told the state's they could have their money back if they did certain things. It would appear on the surface that it is a violation of the Constitution - but it is not because the states can say 'No thanks' and not get any of their money back.
The whole system has been corrupted.
(Publius:) The democratic socialist paradigm is failing, and no one is quite sure what will replace it. But it will be either Federalism or Fascism.
We see with this ebola outrage the incompetence of the feds to deal with problems - yet the public still thinks that the answer to all their problems rests with the government... get an education, buy a house, get a raise, pay your rent, feed your children, get a job - get a promotion, etc., etc., etc. ... on and on! I do not know if we can break this dependence cum loss of freedom. It requires a mammoth educational outbreak - and the opposition holds all the popular media to carry on the fight for enslavement.