The issue of building roads and canals could be said to boil down to which issue?

The issue of building roads and canals could be said to boil down to "Federalism" issue.

Explanation:

The American federalism in the antebellum period contributed to both a greater national position in rail development and more centralized railroads. Local competition between states prompted state Congressional representatives unable to construct local railroads to turn to federal aid.

Prior railway funding came from politicians from the south and frontier, who were drawn mainly into rail coalitions due to their own failure to create local rail networks. Over period, though, rivalry among coalition states and complaints about federal power led several of the coalition's initial members to retire.