The Founding Fathers insisted on a free press primarily to limit the power of the government.
1. The free press serves as a check on government power: By allowing a free press, the Founding Fathers aimed to create a system where the media could act as a watchdog over the government. This oversight helps prevent the government from overreaching its authority and becoming tyrannical.
2. Promoting transparency and accountability: A free press ensures that the government's actions are open to public scrutiny. It helps expose corruption, inefficiency, or abuses of power, holding public officials accountable for their actions.
3. Encouraging the flow of information: A free press facilitates the exchange of ideas and information among citizens. It enables individuals to make informed decisions and participate in democratic processes effectively.
Overall, the insistence on a free press was a crucial element in safeguarding democracy and ensuring a balance of power between the government and the people.