What event made americans think about the strength of the central government

A strong and wide-reaching federal government was not inspired by any one event. It is just the nature of a republic. The Founding Fathers recognized the need for such a government and hence built the nation under that Fundamental Principle.

1) The debate between the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation

2) The Civil War

well it depends i think people around the world are coming around to gay marriage. but if you are talking abortion then wow, so much to talk about. such as men thinking they have the right to choose if women can, the fact there are health concerns if the women can't get one, and many more arguments to discuss. so i would definitely say abortion would be a much more interesting topic.