Who among the following was also known for wanting to strengthen the nation and was a key figure in the early U.S. government?

John Dickinson is known for his efforts to strengthen the nation during the early years of the United States. He played a significant role as a leader in the Continental Congress and was a key figure in drafting important documents, including the Articles of Confederation. Dickinson advocated for a stronger national government, believing that a more unified governmental structure was necessary for the success and stability of the new nation.

He also penned several important letters, such as the "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania," which argued against British taxation and called for colonial unity. His approach emphasized the need for a collective effort among the colonies to assert their rights against British rule and later laid the groundwork for promoting a stronger federal framework. This made him a crucial figure in the discourse on American governance during the formative years of the Republic, particularly as the country moved away from a purely confederate system towards a more centralized government structure.

In contrast, the other individuals mentioned had differing views on government strength and involvement. Patrick Henry, for instance, was a strong advocate for states' rights and was skeptical of a powerful central government, famously declaring, "Give me liberty or give me death!" Samuel Adams and Richard Henry Lee also leaned toward protecting state sovereignty and were less focused on fostering a strong national government