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For what purposes did Whigs want to enhance the strength of the federal government?

a) Promote individual states' authority
b) Support local governance
c) Expand executive powers
d) Increase federal autonomy

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Whigs aimed to enhance federal government strength to support economic development, national defense, taxaation and trade regulation, and to establish internal infrastructure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Whigs sought to enhance the strength of the federal government for several purposes, including economic development, maintaining a strong national defense, collecting taxes, regulating trade, and funding internal improvements such as roads and other infrastructure. Strong federal power was also seen as necessary to protect American farmers and merchants from foreign competition, and to maintain social stability by promoting the interests of the wealthy who would, in turn, help build a stable nation.

Though they supported a strong national government, Whigs also saw the importance of such a government in legislating for the states in many areas and having the power to veto laws passed by state legislatures if necessary.

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