Final answer:
Washington believed that the success of the republic required a strong central government to unite and protect the nation, while maintaining a balance to prevent tyranny.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Washington, the success of the republic required a strong central government. The nation's founders debated the character of the United States during the Federalist Era, ultimately transitioning from a loose confederation of states to a more unified structure.
While many Americans during the late 18th century feared an overbearing national authority, federalists like Washington argued that without sufficient powers, a central government could neither maintain defense nor effectively manage the country. A balance was needed where the central authority had enough strength to unite and defend the nation, but not so much that it would become tyrannical.