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.