Legal Guides

What Were The Strengths Of Constitution vs. Articles Of Confederation?

confederation vs constitution

The articles of confederation vs constitution have been one of the arguments that have been around for such a long period of time.  There has been so much confusion about and around this matter which has not been clearly dealt with.  As such, it has become essential to try and bring out a clear difference between these two.  

Doing so will enable anyone who has an interest in this area to gain more insight into this essential matter.  This is exactly what informs this discussion, the text takes into account the whole concept of articles of confederation vs constitution.  As you read this article, you will be able to understand exactly what articles of confederation vs constitution for a much different idea on the same.  

Top differences between articles of confederation vs constitution

The Constitution of the United States is renowned for the success it has had over centuries. However, many don’t understand the profession or the Origins of it very clearly. The history of the American Constitution goes back to the 1700’s. Ever since 1777, the American constitution has evolved in leaps and bounds.

The Articles of Confederation made America’s first constitution. These articles are often still regarded as the first-ever constitution of America. These have always formed the basis of the governance in the United States from very early on.

The article was first drafted in the year 1777 and had 13 original States for US consideration.

In the month of November, the Continental Congress first presented the Articles of Confederation for review. Only after 2 days did the Continental Congress approve of the articles. However, they did face certain challenges during the approval.

The process of getting approval for the Articles of Confederation was riddled with objections. There were extensive discussions and negotiations with the Continental Congress to reach a common point. This period was marked by political turmoil with the very limited role of the central government.

What Was The Role Of The Articles?

The Articles of Confederation played a very important role in shaping what we today know as the Constitution of American. It established a union among the states, maintained state sovereignty, and limited federal power over the states. The Articles, however, were facing a lack of a strong central authority and notable shortcomings.

They were limited in their operation and had an inability to levy taxes. This stopped the central government from being able to finance its own operations. Moreover, these articles lacked a provision that called for the maintenance of a standing army. Thus there remained a big fat question of national defence. 

There was a need for the US Constitution because they needed a more effective governing framework. Thus, a Constitutional Convention was soon held in 1787. This led to the drafting of the United States Constitution. The draft addressed the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation. The ratification of the U.S. Constitution took place in 1788. 

It soon replaced the Articles of Confederation successfully and established a stronger federal government. The Constitution established the government’s authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and maintain a standing army. So, basically, most of the shortcomings were taken care of.

The confederation 

As said in the text above, the article of confederation was actually the primary US constitution source.  These articles set the laws as well the government and how it was going to run, very essential.  Even though the articles of confederation were there from 1776, they came into being in the year 1777.  

This came after a correction was made to it in the year 1776 especially on the issue of mainland congress. The creation of these articles went on and was finished later that year by the administrative body.  The body accepted to have a comprehension with a powerful alliance as well as the opportunity of the new notion.  

The confederation as it was during this time comprised 13 states which all formed the confederation.  This confederation is what now came to be known as the United States of America.  After that, Congress could then demand an expert from the state government in the settling of open obligations.  

Upon increased demand, 12 states endorsed the confederation except for the state of Rhode Island.  This refusal by Rhode Island is what now led to the destruction of the application.  Even after that, congress continued to obtain more reserves and even offered western land with the view of helping raise more assets.  

The constitution 

Having talked about the articles of confederation it is also fair to shade more light on the constitution.  For the purposes of the articles of confederation vs constitution debate, it is important to look into the issue of the constitution as well.  

The constitution, unlike the articles of confederation, gives more power to congress.  In this kind of setting, the states were at liberty to stay with their self-rule government forces and the sway as well.  Other than that, they also had the authority and the option of the administration of these powers.  

This is perhaps the greatest difference between the Articles of confederation vs constitution.  The confederation as it were as of that time did not mention whether the United States of America was an administration or even a state.  The confederation did give a very different view of the states.  They referred to these states as gatherings of companions which were joined by a typical intrigue that protected their own freedoms.  

Articles of the confederation vs constitution

Having looked at the articles of confederation and the constitution it is now time to put these two up against each other. For these purposes of the articles of confederation vs constitution, it is important to mention some things and factors in this regard.  Doing so will help to bring out some underlying differences between these two documents.  

There has been a general opinion and belief among many people that the articles of confederation vs constitution are a case of the weak vs strong.  Even though this is not a popular opinion among many people, still some people look at it from this angle.  

That said, there are some things that make differences between these two forms of governance.  For instance, when it comes to the issue of federal courts, there are some differences between these two.  For instance, the articles of confederation do not offer a system of federal courts.  On the other hand, the constitution allows for the creation of courts to deal with issues between states and citizens.  

The other big difference that came in between these two was the matter of levying taxes.  In this case, also laid a bigger difference.  For instance, in the articles of the confederation, Congress could request the states to pay taxes.  On the other hand, the constitution allowed congress an opportunity and right to levy taxes right on individuals.  

Conclusion 

The articles of confederation vs constitution is a debate that has been around for so long.  This topic has been there for debate by many people over a long period of time now.  Many of the people who find interest in this matter seek to know which one of these two documents is the mightiest.

Read Alaso:

What's your reaction?

Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
1
Not Sure
0
Silly
0
Sofia
Sofia Kelly is a passionate blogger. She loves to share her thoughts, ideas and experiences with the world through blogging.

    You may also like

    Leave a reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *