The Constitution directly addresses various weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation through several key provisions:
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Strengthened Central Government: The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government with limited powers. The Constitution established a stronger federal government with a clear separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, enabling more effective governance.
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Power to Tax: Under the Articles, the federal government had no power to levy taxes, relying instead on state contributions, which were often insufficient. The Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose taxes, allowing the federal government to generate revenue and fund its operations.
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Regulation of Commerce: The Articles did not allow the federal government to regulate interstate and foreign trade, leading to economic disarray. The Constitution empowers Congress to regulate commerce, providing a more uniform and effective economic framework.
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National Defense: The Articles lacked the means for a unified national defense, as states were responsible for their own militias. The Constitution creates a national military and gives Congress the power to raise and support armies, ensuring a coordinated defense.
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Judicial System: The Articles did not establish a federal judiciary, which made it difficult to resolve disputes between states and enforce laws. The Constitution creates a federal court system, including the Supreme Court, to interpret laws and provide a mechanism for judicial review.
These provisions collectively seek to rectify the shortcomings of the Articles, ensuring a more effective and cohesive federal system.
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