Respuesta :
the answer is
They had to defend themselves against accusations that their ideas would lead to a central government that was too strong (Apex)
The excerpt suggests that the Federalists were defending themselves against those ones that accused their movement of trying to promote a central government that was going to hold all power. In the excerpt provided, the author, which in this case was James Madison, states the importance of having individual rights within a country. The government needs to be reminded that its main objective and duty is the one of protecting every citizen's natural rights.