And they settled on empowering a Republic governed by the rule of Constitutional law.
But the idea of independence struck a cord of agreement because each diverse group understood that they would be able to live according to their beliefs.
Yep, as long as those beliefs did not infringe upon the rights of other individuals.
Without allowing local communities to set their own standards it is impossible to unify so many different persuasions.
Private communities do have wide powers to 'set their own standards'. State & local governments however, must follow Constitutional standards. See Article VI.
Allowing local communities to set their owns standards also encourages healthy competition. We can observe the effects of drugs, alcohol, gambling, prostitution, religious vs. secular education.
Yep, private associations can make rules about drugs, alcohol, gambling, prostitution, religious vs. secular education, - whatever, - on their private community property. Buy some acreage, and feel free to set up a voluntary religious or secular community. [Within the bounds of criminal law tho, - remember what big brother trumped up on Waco.]
When the federal and state governments take power away from communities it is more difficult to see which way works best.
State/county/city/town governments have never had the power to outright prohibit drugs, alcohol, gambling, prostitution, guns, -- whatever; -- even though some have been allowed to assume that power unconstitutionally. They only have the power to reasonably regulate such matters.