What did the founders of the United States consider when creating the national government?

They summarized it in the Preamble to the Constitution.

"(Preamble)
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

When the founders of the United States were creating the national government, they considered several factors to ensure a balanced and effective system. Here are some of the key considerations:

1. Protection of individual rights: The founders were deeply influenced by Enlightenment thinkers who emphasized the importance of safeguarding individual liberties. As a result, they created a government with a system of checks and balances that would prevent tyranny and protect the rights of citizens.

2. Balance of power: The founders were wary of concentrated power, such as that in a monarchy. They sought to establish a government with a separation of powers, dividing authority among three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This separation would ensure that no single branch could become too dominant.

3. Republicanism: The founders aimed to establish a republican form of government, where power would be held by the people, rather than a hereditary ruler. They designed a representative system, with elected officials who would serve as the voice of the people.

4. Federalism: Recognizing the vastness and diversity of the newly formed United States, the founders established a federal system that shared power between the national government and the state governments. This division of powers helped to maintain a balance between strong central authority and local autonomy.

5. Limited government: The founders believed in limiting the power of government to prevent abuse and protect individual freedoms. They outlined these limitations in the U.S. Constitution, defining the authority and scope of the national government and constraining it with explicit restrictions.

To understand the founders' considerations in more detail, it is helpful to study primary sources such as The Federalist Papers, the Constitutional Convention debates, and the writings of key figures like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. These sources offer insights into the nuanced thinking behind the creation of the national government.