Who helped convince Americans that government was weak?

The perception that the government was weak was significantly influenced by figures like Thomas Paine and his pamphlet "Common Sense," which criticized British rule and called for independence. Additionally, the Articles of Confederation, which established a loose confederation of states, highlighted the inefficiencies and limitations of a weak central government. The inability of the federal government to address issues such as economic instability and interstate disputes further fueled this sentiment among Americans, leading to calls for a stronger national government.