Develop an argument that explains why U.S Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation, or why the Articles of Confederation was actually a better organizational document.
In your essay, you must do the following:
A. Develop and defend a thesis that responds to the prompt
B. Support you claim by citing evidence from the two documents (U.S Constitution and Articles of Confederation) as well as historical information from the period when the Articles of Confederation were in place and from the period when they were replaced with the U.S Constitution.
C. Establish a line of reasoning that is articulate and convincing
D. Address arguments that dispute your thesis and reasoning.
Thesis: The U.S Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation due to its ability to establish a more centralized government, provide for the proper functioning of the nation, and protect the rights of its citizens.
The U.S Constitution, ratified in 1788, was a stark improvement over the Articles of Confederation, which proved to be an inadequate organizational document for the young nation. The Articles, implemented in 1781, lacked the necessary provisions to ensure a strong and unified government, ultimately leading to various inefficiencies and weaknesses. In contrast, the U.S Constitution addressed these flaws and established a more centralized government, providing for the proper functioning of the nation.
The Articles of Confederation, though establishing a decentralized government, left the central authority weak and unable to enforce its decisions. Under this system, the central government had no power to impose taxes or regulate trade, rendering it dependent on voluntary contributions from the states. This lack of a centralized power led to an imbalanced distribution of resources, as states contributed unevenly. In contrast, the U.S Constitution, through the establishment of an executive branch and a judicial system, created a stronger central government capable of enforcing laws and regulations. The Constitution granted the power to tax, regulate trade, and maintain a standing army, allowing for a more balanced distribution of resources and a more efficient functioning of the nation as a whole.
Additionally, the Articles of Confederation lacked a provision for amending the document, rendering it rigid and unable to adapt to changing circumstances. This inflexibility led to significant challenges, as issues arose that the Articles failed to address adequately. For instance, the inability to address interstate commerce disputes raised concerns about the stability of trade relationships between states, potentially hindering economic growth. Conversely, the U.S Constitution not only included a provision for amending the document but also laid out a clear process for amending it, ensuring adaptability to changing times. This flexibility allowed for the Constitution to be modified and improved over the years, addressing societal needs as they emerged.
Furthermore, the U.S Constitution ensured the protection of individual rights, which the Articles of Confederation failed to adequately address. The Constitution, through the Bill of Rights, guaranteed fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to a fair trial, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. In contrast, the Articles did not explicitly protect individual rights, leaving citizens vulnerable to potential abuses by both state and federal governments. The inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution ensured that citizens' rights were protected and provided a mechanism for the redress of grievances.
Opponents may argue that the Articles of Confederation promoted state autonomy and limited central authority, allowing states to retain more power. However, this decentralization led to coordination issues, hindered economic growth, and left the nation susceptible to external threats. While it is important to recognize the value of state autonomy, a strong central government is essential for the proper functioning and survival of a nation.
In conclusion, the U.S Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation due to its ability to establish a more centralized government, provide for the proper functioning of the nation, and protect the rights of its citizens. The Constitution's success in addressing the flaws of the Articles is evident in the evolution and prosperity of the United States as a unified and powerful nation.