Articles of Confederation vs Constitution: Powers of Government Quiz

Articles of Confederation vs Constitution: Examining the Powers of Government

Introduction

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution serve as the cornerstone of American government, each with distinct features and implications. Though both documents recognized the United States of America, they differed in their approaches to the organization of government, particularly with regards to powers of government.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, established a national government composed of a Congress that had the power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians. However, it created a very weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments. Under the Articles, states, not Congress, had the power to tax. Congress could raise money only by asking the states for funds, borrowing from foreign governments, or selling western lands. There was no provision for national courts.

One of the most significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was its inability to address interstate conflicts and promote economic cooperation. The document relied on state militias for defense, which proved to be ineffective in the face of external threats. Additionally, the Articles lacked an executive branch, raising concerns about the potential for a strong federal authority.

The Constitution

In contrast, the Constitution created a more centralized government with clear-cut powers for the federal government. It established a President as the executive, empowered the government to tax, provisioned for a standing army, and established a common currency. The Constitution also included the power to regulate commerce, which was absent in the Articles.

The Constitution's division of powers into three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) was a significant departure from the Articles of Confederation's more decentralized structure. This separation of powers was designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring a balance of power and a more stable government.

Comparison

The primary difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution lies in their approach to the distribution of powers. The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government, while the Constitution established a more centralized government with a strong federal authority.

Conclusion

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution represent two distinct approaches to the organization of government. While the Articles of Confederation emphasized state sovereignty and decentralization, the Constitution established a more centralized government with clear-cut powers for the federal government. The Constitution's separation of powers and its provision for a strong executive branch have proven to be essential for the effective functioning of American government.