Compare and Contrast: Articles of Confederation vs Constitution

Issue: Disputes between States

-Articles: Disputes were settled in state courts, leading to problems in disputes between different states. -Constitution: Disputes between states could only be settled in a federal court.

Issue: Representation of States

-Articles: Each state had one vote total, regardless of landmass or population. -Constitution: Bicameral legislation established Senate and House of Representatives; Senate employed equal representation, House used representation by population.

Issue: Sovereignty

-Articles: Government could not enforce laws; most of this ability lay with state governments. -Constitution: Government could enforce laws on individuals and states alike.

Issue: Regulation of Trade

-Articles: Government could not regulate trade in any way. -Constitution: Government was able to regulate trade (interstate and international).

Issue: Interstate Commerce

-Articles: Government could not regulate trade. -Constitution: Government oversaw all interstate commerce, as well as trade with foreign nations.

Issue: Levying Taxes

-Articles: Government could request taxes, but could not make them mandatory. -Constitution: Government was able to tax people under its own power.

Issue: Raising an Army

-Articles: Government was unable to mobilize an army to stop rebels during Shays' Rebellion. -Constitution: Government was able to immediately mobilize troops to end the uprising during the Whiskey Rebellion.

Issue: Executive Power

-Articles: No chief executive; power rested with a council. -Constitution: Established the presidency as the chief executive.

Issue: Federal Courts

-Articles: No federal courts, but many state courts. -Constitution: One federal court (established as Supreme Court).

Issue: Amending Documents

-Articles: The amending process required the approval of all 13 states. -Constitution: Amending process became less difficult, did not require a 100% majority for approval.