Contrary argument: After the Revolutionary War, a lot of state governments were having tax revolts (see Shay's Rebellion). Some people were saying "WTF, we just fought this war for freedom, and are taxes now are just as high or higher?"

They formed a strong central government to help states put down tax revolts.

They also knew that a government tends to only grow in power over time. So they made a government that was (initially) weak and limited. Once it was in place, they eliminated all the protections gradually over time.