The U.S. Constitution sought to reconcile competing views of government primarily between those favoring a strong national government (nationalists or federalists) and those advocating for the preservation of state sovereignty and local autonomy (anti-federalists or states' rights proponents). Key competing views reconciled by the Constitution:

• National vs. State Power: The Constitution aimed to balance power between a unified national government and individual state governments. The federalists wanted a stronger central government to maintain order and unity, while anti-federalists feared such power would threaten liberty and state sovereignty. The Constitution created a federal system where certain powers are delegated to the national government, while others are reserved to the states or the people (Tenth Amendment)

• Representation in Congress: The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population, favoring larger states, while the New Jersey Plan proposed equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states. The Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise) resolved this by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate

• Separation of Powers: The Constitution established three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, addressing concerns about tyranny and ensuring checks and balances

• Sovereignty of the People: The Constitution recognized the people as the ultimate sovereigns, with the right to alter or abolish government if necessary, reflecting the view that government power derives from the consent of the governed

• Federalism as a Means of Coexistence: Federalism was intended to allow diverse states to pursue different policies reflecting their values, enabling coexistence despite divergent views, and providing a mechanism for states to influence national policy or even propose constitutional amendments

• Judicial Review and Conflict Resolution: Though not explicitly stated in the Constitution, judicial review was contemplated as a way to resolve conflicts between federal and state laws, ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution while respecting state sovereignty

In summary, the Constitution reconciled the competing views of a strong centralized government and the preservation of state autonomy by establishing a federal system with a balanced legislature, separation of powers, and a mechanism for popular sovereignty, aiming to secure liberty and effective governance while preventing tyranny or disunion