The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution represent two different frameworks for governance in the United States. Below is a comparison between the key features of each:
The Articles of Confederation:
A. There are no federal judges or courts.
B. Congress can only ask states to pay taxes to the federal government.
C. There is no president.
D. 9 out of 13 state representatives had to agree to pass a new law.
E. Each state received one vote, no matter what its size.
F. Congress could not force men to serve in the army.
G. The states ruled themselves.
H. States were free to trade goods between themselves however they wanted.
The Constitution:
- The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
- Congress can hold a draft to create an army.
- The president is in charge of the executive branch.
- Congress can make individuals pay taxes.
- A federal court system handles issues between states.
- A majority of yes votes from the Senate and House of Representatives, plus the president’s signature, are needed to pass new laws.
- Each state gets two senators, no matter what its size. But the number of representatives is based on state population.
- Congress controls trade between states.
Summary of Differences:
- Federal vs. State Power: The Articles focused on state power and autonomy, while the Constitution established a stronger federal government with defined powers.
- Legislative Structure: Under the Articles, each state had equal voting power; under the Constitution, representation is based on population in the House, with equal representation in the Senate.
- Taxation and Military Authority: The Articles did not allow the federal government to enforce taxes or conscription, whereas the Constitution granted Congress the power to levy taxes and draft soldiers.
- Judicial System: There was no federal judiciary in the Articles, while the Constitution created a federal court system.
- Executive Leadership: The Articles had no executive branch, while the Constitution established the presidency.
These changes addressed many of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to a more balanced and effective system of governance in the United States.