What was a key element argued by the Federalists regarding the powers of the government?

The Federalists advocated for a strong national government but emphasized that its powers were specifically limited and defined by the Constitution. They believed that a framework of enumerated powers would prevent government overreach and provide a system of checks and balances. This concept was crucial because it established the foundation for a government that operates under the rule of law, where each branch has set limits to ensure that no single entity becomes too powerful. This understanding of limited government helped to reassure those wary of a robust national authority, highlighting the importance of constitutional constraints in protecting individual liberties and state rights.