Upon separating from Great Britain in 1776, the 13 states that comprised the United States of America and their respective delegates quarreled over the size and scope of the newly formed federal government. Some of the founding fathers advocated for a strong central government that would create and enforce most or all of the laws in their new republic, believing that an overpowering central government could result in the United States reverting to the very monarchy that once ruled over them.

Meanwhile, other founding fathers believed that states should wield significant sovereignty and autonomy. The Articles of the Confederation, the precursor to the Constitution, gave states immense powers, such as the power to mint currency, establish militaries, and regulate commerce. The Articles of C

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