Question

Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution. Evaluate the extent to which the Articles of Confederation were effective in solving the problems of the new nation. Why did the articles fail? How did the Constitution fix those problems?

Answer 1

Articles of Confederation as the name is suggesting itself that it talks about the establishment of confederation government. It puts main emphasis on Unicameral government. In this type of government there is no role for president. It requires an unanimous ratification. Articles of confederation was operational during 1781.

It was replaced by US constitution in the year 1788. US constitution mainly puts emphasis on federal structure of government. It also provides importance to bicameral legislature. It does not seems to be in favour of unanimous ratification. It requires nine states for ratification process. President play an important role in this type of government.

Both of the above mentioned government operated machinery types i.e. Confederation and Constitution; have certain common areas also. Both provide more power to congress over the military. Both says that only government has power to send and receive ambassadors.

They also describe the roles and duties of congress in elaborated details. Articles of confederation failed because there were lack of powers in confederation congress. It was unable to raise taxes. It also became fail in regulation of trade.

Sates were not following the laws formed by the confederation government. It was the major problem for its failure. These articles made the government weak on financial grounds. Government had to take debts for fighting against the revolutionary war. Government also failed to repay its debts. States were more powerful as compared to central government. This also caused weakness to confederation government.

Federal government formed by the US constitution is strong enough. Federal government can now impose various taxes in order to maintain and form a military. Government has power to control the interstate trade. All these caused limitation to power of states.

A strong central government can make rules and regulation for the overall betterment. There are various branches in present day government which work by maintaining various checks and balances of power among states.