In a paragraph and your own words, compare the similarities and differences between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. If we had the Articles of Confederation today, how would the U.S. function compared to how it is today – Would it be a weaker or stronger government? In your response, consider some arguments made by our Founding Fathers. (5 points)

Answer 1

The Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution both signify foundational documents in American history that aimed to govern the newly independent states. A key similarity is that both documents sought to establish a framework for a united government, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the states. However, they differ significantly in structure and authority. The Articles created a weak central government with limited power, lacking the ability to tax or enforce laws effectively, while the Constitution established a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances, allowing for more robust legislation and governance. If the Articles of Confederation were in place today, the U.S. would likely function with a much weaker government, leading to challenges in addressing national issues such as defense, economic stability, and interstate relations. The Founding Fathers, particularly figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued that a stronger central government was essential for stability and unity, which the Articles failed to provide, as evidenced by the challenges faced under that system, including economic chaos and Shays' Rebellion. Thus, retaining the Articles would have significantly impeded the country's ability to respond to contemporary challenges effectively.