Question

Compare the Framers' beliefs about local self-government to their attitude toward a strong central government.

Answer 1

The Framers of the Constitution had until that moment realized that the Articles of Confederation did not work as good as everyone imagined. The strong states and a weak central government lead the nation into chaos and caused a series of dysfunctions. With that, a new Constitution had to be written.

They aimed then to find the right balance between self-government and a strong central government that could unite the nation without killing the autonomy of the states. With that, a Central government was created but with limits - the bill of rights - at the same time states had the autonomy that was needed.

Answer 2

The Framers were visionaries that contributed to the American Constitution. They established the foundations to built America.

Self-government for the Framers was one where citizens would be the principal source of ruling authority and would have the possibility to make their voices heard, in opposition to a strong central government that could coerce people's liberties.

The Framer's wanted to create a government with certain legal limits in the use of power. Freedom was of the utmost importance for the Framers.