Which of the following is a fundamental theme in the Federalist Papers?

The fundamental theme in the Federalist Papers is the support for a strong central government. This collection of essays, written by key figures like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, was aimed at advocating for the ratification of the United States Constitution. One of the primary arguments made in these writings is that a stronger central government is necessary to maintain order, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare of the nation.

The Federalist Papers address concerns about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, under which the federal government lacked the power to enforce laws, regulate trade, or levy taxes effectively. By advocating for a more robust national government, the authors aimed to illustrate that a balance of power could prevent the tyranny experienced under British rule while still allowing the states to retain significant authority. This theme of supporting a strong central government culminates in the argument that such an authority can better serve the interests of the populace as a whole, compared to a loose confederation of states with limited power.