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)(5 points)

Answer 1

The Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution both aimed to establish a framework for governance in the newly independent United States, yet they presented contrasting approaches to federal authority. Both documents emphasized the importance of a union among states, but the Articles established a weaker central government with limited powers, lacking the ability to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution created a stronger federal structure with defined powers, including those related to taxation, commerce, and a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. If the Articles of Confederation were still in effect today, the U.S. would likely function with a much weaker government, as it would struggle to address national issues, leading to fragmentation among states. The Founding Fathers, such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued for a stronger central government to maintain order and promote unity, ultimately leading to the adoption of the Constitution, which they believed was essential for a stable and capable nation.