Develope an argument that explains why the US 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:
Develope and defend thesis that responds to the prompt.
Support your claim by citing evidence from the two documents (US constitution of 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 US constitution.
Establish a line of reasoning that is articulate and convincing
Address arguments dispute your thesis and reasoning
Title: The US Constitution: A Superior Organizational Document to the Articles of Confederation
Introduction:
The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the US Constitution marked a critical turning point in American history, as it established a more centralized and effective system of governance. While the Articles of Confederation provided a starting point for the young nation, the inherent weaknesses of this document ultimately necessitated the adoption of the Constitution. By examining the historical context and the evidence provided by both documents, it becomes clear that the US Constitution proved superior in ensuring the stability, functionality, and success of the United States.
Thesis:
The US Constitution proved to be a superior organizational document to the Articles of Confederation, as it addressed the weaknesses of its predecessor by establishing a stronger central government, providing a more effective system of taxation, and ensuring more effective decision-making processes.
Body:
I. The Strength of a Central Government:
a. Articles of Confederation: The Articles preserved state sovereignty at the expense of a weak central government, rendering it incapable of effectively managing interstate disputes or enforcing national laws.
b. US Constitution: The Constitution established a stronger central government with separate branches, wherein the legislative branch could make laws, the executive branch could enforce them, and the judicial branch could interpret them. This balanced division of power addressed the inadequacies of the Articles and facilitated more efficient governance.
II. An Effective System of Taxation:
a. Articles of Confederation: The Articles lacked the authority to levy taxes, leaving the central government financially crippled and heavily reliant on voluntary contributions from states.
b. US Constitution: The Constitution granted Congress the power to raise revenue through taxation, enabling the federal government to fulfill its obligations and fund essential functions. This critical change in fiscal policy contributed to the nation's economic growth and stability.
III. Decision-Making Processes:
a. Articles of Confederation: Under the Articles, each state possessed one vote in Congress, regardless of population or size. This resulted in an inequitable representation scheme that complicated the passing of legislation.
b. US Constitution: The Constitution addressed this issue by implementing a bicameral legislature, with representation in the House of Representatives based on population and equal representation in the Senate for all states. This system balanced the interests of both large and small states, ensuring fair decision-making and promoting national unity.
Refutation:
Possible counterargument:
"The Articles of Confederation favored state sovereignties and allowed for a more decentralized approach to governance, leading to greater individual liberty."
Response:
While the Articles of Confederation did prioritize state sovereignty, this approach severely compromised the ability of the national government to effectively govern the country and protect the rights of its citizens. The Constitution struck a balance between centralized power and individual liberty, introducing a system of checks and balances and including the Bill of Rights to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
Conclusion:
The adoption of the US Constitution over the Articles of Confederation provided the foundation for a strong and functional federal government. By addressing the inherent weaknesses of the Articles, such as the lack of a strong central government, ineffective taxation policies, and decision-making challenges, the Constitution set the stage for the success and growth of the United States. While the Articles of Confederation served as an important stepping stone in the formation of the nation, it became evident that the US Constitution offered a more suitable and sustainable framework for American governance.