Describe the basic features of the debate over the proper extent of the Federal Government's power in the early years of the United States.

The founding fathers didn't want to give the federal government too much power, which in turn left the federal government weak. The Articles of Confederation were the cause of this. A group of farmers and ex soldiers who fought in the American revolution were angry that they were being wronged led a rebellion led by Daniel Shays, which eventually led to the creation of the US Constitution.