Final answer:
The Framers designed a federal system to maintain a balance between the national government and the states, ensuring a strong central government that would protect liberties while preserving state sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why the Framers Chose Federalism
The Framers of the U.S. Constitution chose federalism as the system of government to ensure a balance of power between the national and state governments. The creation of a federal system was a response to the ineffectiveness of the previous system under the Articles of Confederation. Federalism was designed to provide a structure in which the federal government would have sufficient authority to govern effectively while preserving the sovereignty of the states. This design was intended to protect the liberties of the people and prevent any form of tyranny by distributing powers across two levels of government. The Framers were focused on creating a stronger national government, yet they were also intent on maintaining the states’ ability to govern themselves and exercise their own unique powers.
To answer the student’s question, the correct option is C: To balance power between the national government and the states. This was chosen to ensure that both levels of government could function effectively and provide stability, thereby enhancing liberty and protecting against the potential for centralized tyranny.