Discussion Prompt: Choose the most important change made from the Articles of Confederation (passing laws) to the U.S. Constitution and justify your choice.

Answer 1

One of the most important changes made from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution concerning the passing of laws is the establishment of a bicameral legislature in Congress, specifically the creation of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress consisted of a single house where each state had one vote, which led to significant challenges in passing legislation. This unicameral structure often resulted in gridlock, as it required a supermajority (nine out of thirteen states) to enact most laws. This made it extremely difficult to respond effectively to pressing national issues or to raise revenue, which in turn weakened the central government's ability to govern.

The framers of the Constitution recognized these limitations and addressed them by establishing a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives, with members elected directly by the people, represents the population of each state proportionately, making it more responsive to the electorate's needs. The Senate, with two senators from each state, regardless of size, provides equal representation for states and ensures that smaller states still have a voice in the legislative process.

This dual chamber system not only facilitates a more thorough review of legislation—allowing for debate and amendments in both houses—but it also balances the influence of populous states against less populous ones, fostering compromise and consensus-building. Furthermore, the requirement for both houses to agree on legislation before it becomes law adds a layer of scrutiny that helps to ensure the quality of laws passed and prevents hasty decision-making.

In conclusion, the creation of a bicameral legislature significantly enhanced the power and effectiveness of Congress, transformed the legislative process, and addressed the weaknesses inherent in the Articles of Confederation. This change has had a lasting impact on the governance of the United States, shaping the balance of power, representation, and the functionality of the federal legislative system.