Final answer:
Supporters of a strong national government argued that it was necessary for the survival and efficient functioning of the new nation. On the other hand, opponents of a strong national government believed that it could become too oppressive and take away individual rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supporters of a strong national government argued that it was necessary for the survival and efficient functioning of the new nation. A strong central government would have the power to defend the country, regulate trade, create infrastructure, maintain foreign relations, and pay government officials. Furthermore, a strong national government would also be able to borrow money from other countries.
On the other hand, opponents of a strong national government believed that it could become too oppressive and take away individual rights. They argued that states should have more autonomy and be able to govern themselves. They also believed that states would be better able to understand and cater to the needs and interests of their residents.
Overall, the arguments in favor of a strong national government centered around the idea that it was essential for the survival and functioning of the new nation, while the arguments in favor of a more decentralized federal government focused on the need to protect individual rights and allow states to govern themselves in certain matters.