Explain how the existence of the Confederate government played a role in the development of the current constitution.
I feel that the articles of confederation joined the states to gether- uniting America and creating a government that was elected by the people with powers granted by the states. This helped to develop the constitution by breaking down the powers the government and the people have step by step. Is this correct and should I add to this?
I think you have some terminology mixed up. The Articles of Confederation were not connected with "the Confederate government" (which is usually associated with the South during the Civil War).
Anyway -- what effects did the Articles of Confederation have on the development of the Constitution?
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22articles+of+confederation%22+effect+on+constitution&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images&tbs=
Read several of the articles here (at least the first 6 or 7) and then let us know what you've written.
Your understanding of the Articles of Confederation is somewhat correct, but there are a few clarifications to be made. The Articles of Confederation, adopted before the creation of the Confederate government, were the first attempt at establishing a unified government for the newly independent United States. They made the states sovereign entities, with a weak central government that had limited powers. The state governments held most of the authority, and the national government had little ability to enforce laws and collect taxes.
However, the Confederate government, also known as the Confederate States of America, refers specifically to the government formed by 11 southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861, leading to the American Civil War. This Confederate government played a significant role in the development of the current Constitution, albeit indirectly.
The existence of the Confederate government highlighted several flaws in the Union's original governing document, the Articles of Confederation, and sparked discussions on how to create a more effective and stable federal system. The Civil War exposed the weaknesses of the Articles, such as the inability of the national government to maintain a strong military force and resolve conflicts between states.
The Confederate government's secession and formation of a separate governing body emphasized the need for a stronger central government with the power to enforce laws, regulate commerce, and maintain national unity. The failure of the Confederate government also served as a reminder of the dangers of excessive state autonomy and highlighted the importance of balancing governing powers between the states and the federal government.
These discussions and reflections during and after the Civil War ultimately led to the drafting and adoption of the current United States Constitution in 1787. The Constitution established a stronger federal government while still preserving the rights and powers of the states. It created a system of checks and balances, separating powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, to prevent abuses of power and ensure the stability of the nation.
In summary, while the Articles of Confederation did play a role in the development of the Constitution by revealing the weaknesses of a decentralized government, the existence of the Confederate government during the Civil War further highlighted the need for a stronger, more unified federal system.