Final answer:
Article I of the Constitution was crucial to the Framers as it outlined the legislative powers, established Congress as the first branch, and reflected a shift away from strong executive power by creating a representative assembly with checks on executive powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Article I of the Constitution was so important to the Framers because it detailed legislative powers and established Congress as the first branch of the new government. The Framers intended for Congress to be the cornerstone of the republic, indicating a clear desire to move away from the tyrannies experienced under a king and ensure a balance of power through a representative assembly. Therefore, the correct answer is that it detailed legislative powers because the Framers thought people would be outraged with a strong executive if they first saw legislative checks on executive powers. As such, Congress was established as the first branch, reflecting the Framers' intention for a careful and deliberative legislative process that represented the will of the citizens.
Article I requires that Congress is bicameral, divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives, with the Senate providing equal power to states and the House reflecting the population distribution. Additionally, Article I outlines the powers of Congress, such as overseeing the budget, introducing legislation, confirming nominations, and declaring war. The focus on representation and the division into two houses were both steps to prevent the emergence of a too powerful executive, and Article I reflects the Framers' respect for the British system of a mixed and balanced government, resulting in a clear separation of powers within the newly formed federal government.