Final answer:
The primary reason the Articles of Confederation restricted the power of the federal government was fear of tyranny that many colonists believed they had suffered under British rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reason the Articles of Confederation restricted the power of the federal government was fear of tyranny that many colonists believed they had suffered under British rule. The colonists wanted to prevent the creation of a strong central government that could potentially become oppressive, similar to the monarchy and parliament of England. The Articles of Confederation deliberately limited the powers of the national government, allowing the states to maintain their authority.