Question

Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution.(2 points)

Answer 1

Brief comparison:

Articles of Confederation
- Strengths: Preserved state sovereignty and prevented a strong central tyranny; successfully managed the Revolutionary War diplomacy (e.g., Treaty of Paris) and passed the Northwest Ordinance to organize western lands.
- Weaknesses: Very weak central government — Congress could not levy taxes, regulate interstate or foreign commerce, enforce laws, or raise a standing army; no executive or national judiciary; amendments required unanimous consent; led to economic disorder and security problems (e.g., Shays’ Rebellion).

U.S. Constitution
- Strengths: Creates a stronger, balanced national government with powers to tax, regulate commerce, raise armies, and enforce laws; establishes separation of powers, checks and balances, an independent judiciary, and a workable amendment process; federal supremacy and a national currency improved stability.
- Weaknesses: Reduces state sovereignty and concentrates more power federally (a concern for some); initially lacked a Bill of Rights (later added); compromises (e.g., Three-Fifths Clause, Electoral College) left problems unresolved.

In short: the Constitution fixed the Articles’ weaknesses by creating an effective national government while raising new debates about federal power and individual rights that were later addressed by amendments.