The two biggest structural changes from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution are:
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Establishment of a Stronger Central Government: The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government with limited powers, primarily to conduct foreign affairs and handle defense. However, it lacked the authority to enforce laws, regulate commerce, or levy taxes. The U.S. Constitution established a stronger federal government with three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) that have distinct powers and responsibilities, allowing for a more effective governance structure.
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Creation of a Bicameral Legislature: Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had one vote in a unicameral legislature, which often led to difficulties in reaching consensus and passing legislation. The Constitution established a bicameral legislature (Congress), composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure allows for representation based on population in the House, while each state has equal representation in the Senate, creating a more balanced system that accommodates both large and small states.
These changes were aimed at addressing the weaknesses of the Articles and ensuring a more functional and cohesive national government.