1. Alexander Hamilton: He believed that a strong central government is necessary to ensure internal order, promote economic growth, and maintain national security. He advocated for a centralized banking system, the assumption of state debts, and the promotion of domestic manufacturing.
2. James Madison: While Madison initially supported the Articles of Confederation, he later came to believe that they were too weak to effectively run the country. He argued for a stronger national government with the ability to regulate interstate commerce, levy taxes, and raise armies.
3. George Washington: As president, Washington supported the idea of a stronger federal government because he had personally witnessed the inefficiencies and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. He supported Hamilton's economic policies and believed that a more powerful central government was essential for the welfare of the nation.
Reasons for Abolishing the Articles of Confederation:
1. Economic Problems: The Articles of Confederation failed to address pressing economic challenges, such as regulating trade between states and stabilizing the currency. Each state had its own currency, creating confusion and uncertainty in transactions.
2. National Debt: The federal government could not repay its debts incurred during the Revolutionary War because it lacked the authority to collect taxes. This weakened the credit of the United States and hindered its ability to raise funds.
3. Foreign Policy Challenges: The weak central government was not equipped to negotiate effectively with foreign nations or respond to external threats. This became apparent during the Northwest Territory's conflicts with Native American tribes and Spain's closure of navigation rights on the Mississippi River.
4. Need for Unity: The states often acted independently, disregarding the common interests of the nation. This lack of unity weakened the effectiveness of the country and undermined its political and economic stability.
The advocates of centralization believed that these issues with the Articles of Confederation necessitated profound alterations or total elimination to safeguard the interests and ensure the prosperity of the nascent United States.