Why did some Americans desire a weak central government after gaining independence?

After gaining independence from Britain, some Americans desired a weak central government for a variety of reasons rooted in their recent experiences and philosophical ideals. Here are the key reasons:

1. Fear of Tyranny: The struggle for independence was largely a reaction against the perceived tyranny of British rule, including oppressive laws and taxation without representation. As a result, there was a widespread fear of concentrated power and a strong central government, which could become tyrannical like the monarchy they had fought to escape.

2. Valuing Individual Liberties: The experience with British rule had instilled in many Americans a deep value for personal freedom and individual liberties. A strong central government was perceived as a potential threat to these liberties and to the rights of individuals and states.

3. Emphasis on Local Control: Many Americans believed that government was most responsive and accountable when it was close to the people it served. They preferred a system where local and state governments had more power to reflect the varied interests and needs of their specific communities.

4. Ideas from the Enlightenment: Enlightenment thinkers such as Montesquieu influenced American leaders. Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers into different branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, and many Americans wanted a government structure that would reflect these principles.

5. Concerns about a Large Nation: At that time, America was geographically vast and culturally diverse. Some believed a strong central government could not effectively manage such a large nation because it would be out of touch with the day-to-day issues of distant regions.

6. Economic Interests: Different states had different economic interests (e.g., agricultural vs. commercial), and many believed that a weaker central government would allow states to pursue economic policies that favored their own interests without interference.

As a result of these concerns, the first system of government established after the revolution, under the Articles of Confederation, created a very weak central government with limited powers, which ultimately proved to be ineffective in solving national issues, leading to the drafting of the Constitution, which sought a more balanced distribution of powers between the states and the federal government.