Why did Federalists favor a strong central government?

Federalists favored a strong central government primarily to avoid the downfall of small republics, which they feared could lead to chaos and instability. They believed that a robust central authority was necessary to maintain order, manage conflicts between states, and provide for the common good, particularly in areas such as defense and interstate commerce. The Federalists argued that without a strong central government, the nation would be prone to the same issues that had plagued the Articles of Confederation, such as disunity and ineffective governance.

Their perspective was shaped by historical examples of failed confederacies and the challenges that individual states faced when trying to function independently, which often led to conflict and a lack of coordinated response to national issues. Thus, they viewed a strong central government as essential to creating a stable and effective national framework that could address these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of the republic.