Answer: Because it would make political parties more powerful, which would also lead to corruption. The opponents were afraid someone without the correct knowledge or attitude would end up in a position of high power.
Maize, or corn, was crucial for the survival and thriving not only of the early Americans but of modern Americans too.
Maize is easily grown, easily stored, easily transported, and is a good source of food and calories.
So, maize allowed farmers to easily grow food and stockpile reserves for tough years.
A low GDP simply means that the value of these measures are less than that of other countries. Poor.