What was a significant element of the federalism debate during the Convention?

A significant element of the federalism debate during the Convention was the degree of state versus federal power, which revolved around how much authority should be allocated to the national government compared to the states. This question was central to the framers’ discussions as they sought to balance the need for a strong national government—capable of maintaining order and addressing collective concerns like defense and commerce—with the desire to preserve state sovereignty and local governance.

The framers were keenly aware of the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, which had established a system that favored state power and resulted in a lack of effective national governance. Participants in the debate, such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, argued for a stronger federal structure to address these issues, while others, like Patrick Henry, expressed concerns over a centralized authority potentially infringing upon states' rights and personal liberties. This fundamental tension ultimately influenced the Constitution's design, leading to checks and balances intended to delineate the powers of both state and federal governments.

In contrast, the focus on the structure of the judicial system, the role of the military, and the process of amending the Constitution were important discussions but were secondary to the overarching primary concern of the balance of power between state and federal authorities.