Which document asserted the need for a strong central government in the U.S.?

The Constitution of the United States asserted the need for a strong central government as it was created to address the weaknesses of the previous governing document, the Articles of Confederation. The Articles had established a loose confederation of states with a weak national government that struggled to maintain order, collect taxes, and enforce laws. Recognizing these limitations, the framers of the Constitution sought to create a more effective and robust federal government, one that could unite the states while maintaining order and providing for the common defense.

The Constitution outlines the powers and structure of the federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with defined roles and responsibilities. It introduced mechanisms for checks and balances, ensuring that power was distributed and preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful. This foundational document reflected the delegates' understanding that a strong central government was essential for addressing collective issues such as interstate commerce, national defense, and the regulation of trade.