Difference Between The Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution

1033 Words5 Pages

After the United States declared independence from Great Britain. The Article of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first constitution of the United States. After a year of reflection, it was submitted to the states for ratification in 1777. It was not approved until 1781. After weak years with the Article of Confederation, in 1789 the Constitution was adopted. The most important difference between these documents was that the Articles of Confederation gave very little power to a central government and the Constitution created a strong central government. The Article of Confederation was written to unite states after the American Revolution. People had the fear of the government having too much power. This document established …show more content…

They hoped to create a better government. The Constitution replaced the Article of Confederation permanently in March 4, 1789. The Constitution created checks and balances between the three branches. It also, established the Bill of Rights, and the first ten amendments of the constitution. The Constitution had to be ratified by at least nine states out of thirteen. After two years, all thirteen states ratify the Articles of the Constitution. The Constitution is made of the preamble and seven different articles. The preamble first three words “We the People” created this constitution to establish a government. The articles are the foundation for how the U.S government is organized. Article l, gives Congress limits and powers, giving them the right to make laws. Also, creates the Senate and the House of Representatives. Article ll, makes the executive branch which has the responsibility and authority for the administration. The executive branch is the President and executive officers. Article lll, makes the judicial branch which is the court system to interpret the laws. The judicial branch is the Supreme Court and the lower courts made by Congress. Article lV, talks about the states. It talks about the responsibilities the federal government has for each state and the duties the states have. Article V, says that the only way …show more content…

For example, the legislature in the Article was unicameral, called Congress, but the Constitution is bicameral, called Congress, divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate. Next, the member of Congress in the Article is between two and seven members per state, but in the Constitution, it is two Senators per state, Representatives apportioned per population of each state. Also, in the Article there was no executive, but in the Constitution the president is the executive. Lastly, the power to coin money in the Article it was the United States and the states, but in the Constitution, it is the United States

Open Document