Why did Madison believe in a strict government?

James Madison believed in a strict government primarily to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties. He feared that a powerful central authority could infringe upon the rights of citizens, so he advocated for a system of checks and balances to limit government power. Madison's commitment to a strict interpretation of the Constitution reflected his belief that the government should only exercise powers explicitly granted to it, ensuring that personal freedoms remained safeguarded. This approach was central to his role in drafting the Bill of Rights and shaping the foundational principles of American democracy.