The Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution are the two documents
under which American has been governed since 1781. Describe the essential
elements of each, their similarities and how their major differences.
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The Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution are two important documents that governed the United States at different times in history. Let's examine their essential elements, similarities, and major differences.
1. Articles of Confederation:
The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781 and served as the first constitution of the United States until the ratification of the US Constitution in 1789.
Essential Elements:
a. Weak Central Government: The Articles established a weak central government, with most power resting in the individual states.
b. Unicameral Legislature: The Congress, consisting of one chamber, had the power to make laws and manage foreign affairs.
c. Limited Powers: The central government lacked the power to regulate trade, impose taxes, or enforce laws on states or individual citizens.
d. No Executive or Judicial Branch: There was no separate executive branch (president) or federal courts.
Similarities:
a. Both documents aimed to establish a system of governance for the United States.
b. They were both products of the same group of leaders who fought for independence from Britain.
Major Differences:
a. Power Distribution: The Articles of Confederation gave more power to individual states, while the US Constitution sought to strike a balance between state and federal powers.
b. Increased Central Government Powers: The US Constitution provided a stronger central government with the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and enforce laws.
c. Separation of Powers: The US Constitution introduced a separation of powers, with three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent the concentration of power.
d. Federalism: The US Constitution established a system of federalism, where power was shared between the federal government and state governments.
2. US Constitution:
The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, ratified in 1788 after replacing the Articles of Confederation.
Essential Elements:
a. Strong Central Government: The Constitution established a stronger central government with the power to levy taxes, regulate trade, and make and enforce laws.
b. Separation of Powers: The government is divided into three branches - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches - to ensure a system of checks and balances.
c. Bill of Rights: The Constitution includes a Bill of Rights, protecting individual liberties and guaranteeing basic rights.
Similarities:
a. Both documents aimed to provide a framework for governing the United States.
b. They were influenced by the same group of leaders.
Major Differences:
a. Power Distribution: The Constitution shifted some power from the states to the federal government, aiming for a more balanced distribution of power.
b. Stronger Central Government: The Constitution created a stronger central government with broader powers compared to the Articles of Confederation.
c. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: The US Constitution established the separation of powers and a system of checks and balances, which the Articles lacked.
d. Amendment Process: The Constitution allowed for easier amendments and changes to adapt to the changing needs of the nation.
In summary, the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, while the US Constitution created a stronger central government with a balanced distribution of powers. The Constitution introduced the separation of powers and a system of checks and balances, and it allowed for easier amendments.