The Constitution differed from the Articles of Confederation in several key ways, reflecting a shift from a loose confederation of states to a stronger federal government with a balanced structure: Articles of Confederation:
- Created a loose alliance of independent states with most power retained by the states.
- Established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote.
- No executive branch (no president) or national judiciary.
- Congress had no power to tax citizens directly; it could only request funds from states.
- Could not regulate interstate or foreign commerce.
- Amendments required unanimous consent of all states, making change very difficult.
- Central government was weak, unable to enforce laws or maintain a standing army.
- State sovereignty was paramount, and the national government had limited authority
Constitution:
- Created a stronger federal government with defined powers shared between national and state governments.
- Established three branches of government: executive (president), legislative (bicameral Congress), and judicial (federal courts).
- Congress was given power to levy taxes, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, and maintain a military.
- Bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives (based on population, elected by popular vote) and the Senate (equal representation for states, originally appointed by state legislatures).
- Amendments could be made with approval by three-fourths of states, allowing adaptability.
- The Constitution was declared the supreme law of the land, increasing federal authority over states.
- Terms for representatives and senators were longer and without term limits, unlike the one-year terms under the Articles.
- Created a system of checks and balances to prevent concentration of power
In summary, the Articles of Confederation emphasized state sovereignty and a weak central government, while the Constitution established a stronger federal government with separation of powers and the ability to govern effectively at the national level. This transition addressed the weaknesses of the Articles and created a more adaptable and unified system of governance.
