Seriously, how can anyone really was a big, strong central government?

I honestly cannot fathom why people want a government that has a lot of power over its people. If you give a government too much power, when it starts oppressing, then you're helpless. Every single fascist, communist government started out as "for the people", but it never is. First it's a little regulation here, a little restriction there, then before you know it you can't even pick your own career.