Final answer:
The question addresses the historical discussions about the division of power between the federal government and the states in the United States. It showcases the evolution from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, where a compromise was found between the need for a stronger national government and the protection of state sovereignty and individual liberties. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the historical debate over the proper balance of power between the central government and the states in the early years of the United States. This debate is central to understanding the development of the U.S. Constitution and the shaping of the federal system.
After experiencing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, where the federal government lacked central authority, the need for a stronger central government was evident to ensure national unity and economic stability.
The resulting Constitution struck a balance, creating a federal system that divided powers between the national government and the states, which was a compromise between the Virginia Plan, favoring a strong national government, and the New Jersey Plan, seeking to protect state sovereignty.
The ultimate solution, a compound federal structure, recognized the need for a strong central government capable of regulating commerce, maintaining order, and engaging in international diplomacy. Yet, it also preserved state influence over the central government to some extent, honoring the principle of state representation.
This delicate balance of power reflects core American values of governance, liberty, and federalism, which have continued to evolve throughout the nation's history. The correct option is B.