Why does cationic charge density affect metallic bonding?
A good way to conceptualize metallic bonding is that the valence electrons on metal ions become delocalized, leaving positive ions to be electrostatically attracted to the electrons.

Group II metals contribute 2 valence electrons to the delocalized "sea of electrons", and thus have a +2 charge on the remaining cation. These combined create a stronger attractive force.

It is true that the radii of Group II metal cations are smaller than those of Group I cations (within the same row). This also affects bonding, as the delocalized electrons are closer to the nucleus in the Group II case.

In summary: the increased coulombic force between a higher number of delocalized electrons and higher charges on metallic cations create a stronger metallic bond. Transition metals tend to have even stronger metallic bonding due to the participation of electrons from d orbitals.