Final answer:
The event that led Federalists to advocate for a stronger central government was Shays' Rebellion, which exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompted the drafting of the U.S. Constitution to establish a more robust federal authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Events Leading to the Call for a Strong Federal Government
The event that particularly led Federalists to advocate for a stronger central government was Shays' Rebellion, which occurred from 1786 to 1787. Farmers in western Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, were protesting against high taxes and debts that resulted in the loss of their farms. This was seen by the Federalists as an example of the chaos and disorder that could arise under the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.
The inability of the national government to raise a militia to quell the rebellion, due to the lack of federal power to tax and maintain a standing army, highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles. As a result, Federalists argued that a new constitution, which would create a stronger national government with the power to enforce laws, regulate interstate commerce, and provide for the national defense, was necessary. This ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.