The Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution are two foundational documents in American history that established the framework of government for the United States. However, they differ significantly in structure, powers, and effectiveness. Here are some of the main differences:
1. Structure of Government
- Articles of Confederation: Established a unicameral legislature (Congress) with no separate executive or judicial branches. Each state had one vote, regardless of size.
- U.S. Constitution: Created a bicameral legislature (Congress) consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, along with a separate executive branch headed by the President and a judicial branch with a Supreme Court.
2. Powers of Government
- Articles of Confederation: The central government had very limited powers; it could not levy taxes, regulate commerce, or force states to comply with national laws. It relied on state cooperation for revenue and military support.
- U.S. Constitution: Granted the federal government increased power, including the ability to tax, regulate interstate and international trade, raise an army, and enforce laws.
3. State versus Federal Authority
- Articles of Confederation: Emphasized state sovereignty, allowing states to retain most of their powers and independence. The central government was weak, leading to challenges in governance.
- U.S. Constitution: Established federal supremacy, where federal laws take precedence over state laws. It also allowed for the federal government to take an active role in national matters.
4. Amendments
- Articles of Confederation: Required unanimous consent of all thirteen states to amend the document, making it virtually impossible to adapt or change.
- U.S. Constitution: Allowed for easier amendments; it can be amended with a two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
5. Representation
- Articles of Confederation: Each state, regardless of size or population, had one vote in Congress, leading to disproportionate power for smaller states.
- U.S. Constitution: Established the principle of proportional representation in the House of Representatives based on state population, while maintaining equal representation in the Senate (two senators per state).
6. Checks and Balances
- Articles of Confederation: Lacked a system of checks and balances since there was no separation of powers beyond the legislative branch.
- U.S. Constitution: Incorporated a system of checks and balances across the three branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
7. Ability to Enforce Laws
- Articles of Confederation: The central government could not enforce laws or compel states to comply with national policies, leading to significant governance challenges.
- U.S. Constitution: Provided the federal government with the authority to enforce laws directly, including having its own executive agencies.
Conclusion
The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution marked a significant shift from a loose confederation of sovereign states to a stronger federal government with defined powers and responsibilities. The U.S. Constitution aimed to address the weaknesses of the Articles and create a more effective and unified national government.