The Americans of the time generally opposed a strong central government, because they feared that it would lead to despotism: absolute government, not limited by laws, abuse of superiority, strength or power in the relationship with people.
The Articles of Confederation gave too much power to the states and not enough to the central government. The central government could not pass laws or taxes if all states did not approve it, which made many Americans happy because it is a very weak federal government with strong state governments.
