What argument did Federalists use in defense of the Constitution?

The argument that Federalists used in defense of the Constitution centered around the concept of separation of powers as a mechanism to limit government power. They contended that by dividing government responsibilities among different branches—specifically the legislative, executive, and judicial branches—no single entity would wield excessive control. This structure would not only prevent tyranny but also enhance the efficiency and accountability of government.

The Federalists believed that the Constitution's framework would safeguard individual liberties by ensuring that each branch could check and balance the others, thus making it difficult for any one group or faction to dominate the political landscape. This was seen as a crucial improvement over the Articles of Confederation, which had created a stronger emphasis on state power and did not effectively prevent the potential for government overreach or dysfunction.

The other response options do not accurately reflect the Federalists' primary arguments. Enslavement and direct democracy were not focal points of their defense, and while term lengths might have been addressed in the broader conversation about government efficiency, they did not represent a central theme in the Federalist defense of the Constitution.