How did the US Constitution improve the structure of the government after the Articles of Confederation?
• It created three separate branches of government.
• It created a unitary system of government.
• It allowed states to have their own government.
• It gave citizens the right to vote in elections.
The US Constitution improved the structure of the government after the Articles of Confederation in several ways:
1. Created Three Separate Branches of Government: The Constitution established a system of checks and balances by dividing the government into three separate branches – the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This ensured that no single branch had excessive power and allowed for the separation of powers.
2. Created a Unitary System of Government: The Constitution created a stronger central government with more authority than the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. This change allowed for a more unified and cohesive governing system, enabling the federal government to effectively address national issues and make decisions for the nation as a whole.
3. Allowed States to Have Their Own Government: While the Constitution strengthened the federal government, it also respected the rights of individual states by allowing them to maintain their own governments. This balance between federal and state power, known as federalism, allowed for a cooperative relationship and preserved some autonomy for the states.
4. Gave Citizens the Right to Vote in Elections: The Constitution provided for the establishment of a representative democracy, giving citizens the right to vote in elections. This expanded democratic participation and ensured that the government represented the will of the people. However, it is important to note that initially, voting rights were restricted to white male property owners, and it took subsequent amendments to expand suffrage to other groups.
Overall, the US Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by establishing a more balanced system of government that allowed for a stronger central government while preserving the rights of individual states and citizens.