Final answer:
Colonists believed in 'no taxation without representation' and were against British-imposed taxes meant to raise revenue without their consent. They did accept taxes for trade regulation. Nationalists like Hamilton and Madison sought to amend the Articles of Confederation to allow the national government to impose taxes, addressing the issues of unpaid debts and state financial struggles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The colonists believed in the principle of 'no taxation without representation,' which meant they were against taxes that were imposed without their consent, typically used to raise revenue for the British crown. However, they accepted taxes for regulating trade as it was a common practice for governments to regulate commerce. The demand for revenue and financial obligations increased after the French and Indian War, leading to higher debts and the British government looking towards the colonies for additional revenue. This financial stress influenced the American revolutionary sentiment and eventually led to the desire for a more robust federal government capable of managing debts and finances, a factor that contributed to the development of the U.S. Constitution.
Nationalists like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison pushed for the amendment of the Articles of Confederation to equip the national government with the power to tax and regulate trade more effectively. The need for the power to tax was amplified by the national government's inability to pay debts from the Revolution and related financial difficulties.
Confederation states struggled under heavy debt burdens, resorting to imposing high taxes that further ignited public resentment. Many of the states' residents, already experiencing economic hardship, were reluctant to support state debts with higher taxes. This added tension to the debate over central government's fiscal powers and the push for a stronger federal government.