How was the U.S. Constitution different from the Articles of Confederation? ( The U.S. Constitution had only one branch, a unicameral legislature that had limited power; the U.S Constitution separated powers between the judicial, legislative, and executive branches; the U.S. Constitution allowed for each state to have an equal vote in Congress regardless of size or population; the U.S. Constitution set up the form of government for the newly independent United States.)

Answer 1

The U.S. Constitution differed significantly from the Articles of Confederation in several key ways:

1. Structure of Government: The Articles of Confederation established a very weak central government with a unicameral legislature (one legislative body) that had limited powers, whereas the U.S. Constitution created a stronger federal government with three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation of powers was designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

2. Legislative Power: Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had one vote in Congress regardless of its population or size, which often led to disproportionate representation. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution established a bicameral legislature (Congress) consisting of the House of Representatives (with representation based on population) and the Senate (with equal representation from each state, two senators per state). This structure aimed to balance the interests of both large and small states.

3. Authority and Powers: The Articles of Confederation granted limited authority to the federal government, lacking the power to tax, regulate interstate commerce, or enforce laws. The U.S. Constitution provided the federal government with the ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and maintain a standing army, significantly enhancing its authority and effectiveness.

4. Form of Government: The Constitution established a federal system of government, giving power to both the national and state governments and allowing for a system of checks and balances. The Articles of Confederation fostered a confederal system, which gave most power to the states and minimized the role of the national government.

In summary, the U.S. Constitution addressed many of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating a more robust federal structure, distributing powers among different branches, and ensuring more equitable representation in Congress.