What was a main argument made in the Federalist Papers?

A primary argument put forth in the Federalist Papers was the centralization of government power, emphasizing the necessity of a stronger federal government to maintain order and unity among the states. The authors, including Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, advocated for a system that could efficiently govern a diverse and expansive nation, addressing issues like interstate commerce, national defense, and the ability to raise a unified army.

This argument was essential at the time because the existing Articles of Confederation created a weak central government that lacked the authority to enforce laws or collect taxes, leading to various economic and security challenges. By proposing a constitution that allowed for centralized power with checks and balances, the Federalist Papers aimed to ensure that the new government could function effectively while still preventing tyranny.

This focus on strong central governance was a crucial counterpoint to the prevailing fears of a powerful national government overriding individual states' authority, which is why it remains a foundational concept in American political structure.