What aspect of governance was a central issue debated in relation to the new Constitution?

The debate over federal versus state authority was a central issue during the creation of the new Constitution. This discussion revolved around how power should be distributed between the national government and the states, which was a significant concern following the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. The framers of the Constitution had to address the fear that a strong central government might become tyrannical, while also recognizing the need for a cohesive national policy and the ability to unify disparate states under a single government.

The balance between federal and state power ultimately influenced the framework of the entire Constitution, leading to the establishment of a federal system that granted certain powers to the national government while reserving others for the states. This is reflected in key features of the Constitution, such as the Supremacy Clause, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law, while also ensuring the states maintain a level of autonomy.

While safeguarding individual rights, tax policy adjustments, and trade agreements were all relevant concerns, they stemmed from or were influenced by the larger debate over the distribution of power within the government structure.