Final answer:
The Founding Fathers avoided creating a strong executive in the Articles of Confederation due to fears of tyranny, resulting in a weak central government that struggled to enforce laws. This was resolved by including checks and balances in the Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Founding Fathers were cautious in defining the structure of the new government, particularly concerning the executive branch. They aimed to balance the need for a functional national leadership while avoiding the concentration of power reminiscent of monarchical rule. Because of their experience under British authority, they feared the potential for tyranny. With these concerns in mind, the Articles of Confederation did not establish an executive, leaving the Confederation Congress to perform administrative duties. The lack of a strong executive led to difficulties in enforcing laws and coordinating state actions, contributing to a weak central government. The eventual inclusion of an executive branch in the Constitution, shaped by compromises and checks and balances, aimed to address these issues while still protecting against autocratic power.