Final answer:
John Quincy Adams believed in a balanced approach between local and centralized control, supporting the federal government's role in matters like economic development and foreign policy, but also advocating for states' sovereignty and a system with checks and balances to prevent tyranny.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of John Quincy Adams and local control of local issues, the statement that best aligns with his beliefs is B. Adams believed in a balanced approach between local and centralized control. While John Quincy Adams, as the Federalist-leaning Secretary of State under James Monroe, did support a strong role for the federal government in economic development and foreign policy, the idea of checks and balances, which advocated the separation of powers in government, greatly influenced him. Adams did not champion democracy per se but rather argued that a republican form of government—one that reflected a balance of power and protected against tyranny by any single group—was the optimal system.
Furthermore, although the Federalist Party, which Adams was associated with, believed in promoting social stability through government action on behalf of the few (wealthy farmers, merchants, and manufacturers), John Quincy Adams also recognized the importance of having each state remain sovereign and handle its own affairs. This suggests that while he saw the value in a central authority, he also understood the significance of local autonomy and control over local matters.