Why did the founding fathers select very specific duties to assign to the national government?

The Founding Fathers selected specific duties for the national government to ensure a balance of power and prevent tyranny. By clearly delineating responsibilities, they aimed to create a federal system where states retained significant authority, thereby protecting individual liberties. This approach was influenced by their experiences under British rule, where centralized power led to oppression. Ultimately, they sought to establish a government that could effectively manage national interests while respecting the autonomy of states.