How was the U.S. Constitution different from the Articles of Confederation?
The U.S. Constitution set up the first form of government for the newly independent United States.
The U.S. Constitution allowed for each state to have an equal vote in Congress regardless of size or population.
The U.S. Constitution separated powers between the judicial, legislative, and executive branches.
The U.S. Constitution had only one branch, a unicameral legislature that had limited power.
The Articles of Confederation, on the other hand, established a weak central government that had limited power. Under the Articles, there was no executive branch or national court system. The legislative branch consisted of a unicameral Congress, where each state had one vote regardless of size or population. This lack of a strong central government hindered the ability to enforce laws, regulate commerce, and collect taxes effectively.
In contrast, the U.S. Constitution established a stronger central government with three separate branches. The legislative branch consisted of a bicameral Congress, with representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation for each state in the Senate. This compromise allowed for both small and large states to have a voice in the government.
The Constitution also established an executive branch headed by a president with the power to enforce laws and carry out the duties of the government. Additionally, it created a judicial branch with the power to interpret laws and resolve disputes.
Another significant difference between the two documents was the ability to amend them. The Articles of Confederation required unanimous agreement among the states to make any changes, making it difficult to address the issues that arose. In contrast, the Constitution provided a clear process to amend the document, allowing for adjustments to be made based on the changing needs and circumstances of the nation.
Overall, the U.S. Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by providing a stronger central government with separate branches and a flexible system that could be amended as needed.