Comparative Essay on Constitution and Articles of Confederation

Introduction

Although they share many similarities, the Articles of Confederation (US constitution) have some differences. These two documents were created by the same people with different views. They were the official government of the United States and served as the laws.

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Similarities between Articles of Confederation & Constitution

Both articles refer to the United States of America as the nation. Both articles recognize the United States of America as the nation. The legislature makes laws. Articles of confederation only have one house, which is called Congress.

Constitution has two houses. The Congress is the combined name for these two houses. However, it can be subdivided into both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The articles of confederation congress have members that range from two to seven per state. Two senators represent the constitution. However, it all depends on the state's population. In the articles of confederation, voting in Congress is limited to one vote per state. However, in the constitution, there is only one vote for each representative.

The constitution stipulates that members are elected by popular vote. Members are appointed by the state legislatures in accordance with articles of confederation.

The constitution allows for members to serve two years, while senators can serve six years. The term in articles of confederation is one year. The term limit for the legislative office is three years. This is in addition to the six set out in articles of confederation. However, the constitution does not contain any limit.

Differences between Articles of Confederation & Constitution

While the articles of confederation don't recognize any executive, the constitution does. All states must agree to amend laws through the articles of confederation, but only three-quarters of all states are included in the constitution.

The article of confederation was only a beginning point in the creation of a new constitution for the nation. It had more flaws than strengths. It was able to unify the states and create a strong legislature, which was one of its strengths.

This was appreciated by most people as it gave them the opportunity to make a difference in government. The article also mentions that the colonists had created a land ordinance to create new states, and pay off the national debt. Its biggest weakness was the inability to give powers to federal government. Therefore, it was deemed inadequate.

In the articles of confederation, the federal government had no power to regulate commerce or taxes. The constitution was strengthened by the ability of the government to tax, provide one army, acquire a common currency and be a leader.

Conclusion

Its main strength lies in its ability to remain successful and unaltered up until now, serving as the source for rules and regulations for the United States. Despite being strong, the US Constitution has its critics. Many people consider this constitution undemocratic. Because of the indirect presidential election and confusion of senators' elections, it is considered undemocratic.

The constitution was finally adopted as the new constitution. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, which is a stark contrast to the article, which had more flaws than strengths.