antifederalism
1
9.5
- noun
- /ˌæntiˈfɛdərəlɪzəm/
- The clash between Federalists and Antifederalism shaped the foundation of American political thought in the 18th century.
Examples
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The debates between Federalists and supporters of antifederalism were crucial in shaping the U.S. Constitution.
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Many leaders who favored antifederalism worried about losing power to a national government.
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Historians study antifederalism to understand early American political conflicts.
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The concept of antifederalism is vital to U.S. history.
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Many early American leaders opposed antifederalism for its radical ideas.
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Antifederalism was a significant movement in early American history that opposed the establishment of a strong central government.
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During the debates surrounding the U.S. Constitution, Antifederalism represented the fears of many Americans who valued state and individual rights.
Antonyms
18
7.6
A system of government where states keep some power but are united under a central government
Surface Forms
Morphology
antifederalism = federalism (transparent) = anti + federal + ism
The word is formed regularly from 'federalism' with the prefix 'anti-', so the meaning 'opposition to federalism' is directly compositional.
Etymology
Antifederalism combines anti- meaning 'against' and federal meaning 'relating to a central government'. So antifederalism is the belief or political movement of being 'against' a strong national government, especially in early U.S. history.