Articles of Confederation and the Constitution Essay

The time between the American Revolution and the presidency of George Washington was one of learning, experimentation, and confusion. No patterns existed to model the new government being established for the thirteen American states. Although it would be incorrect to say that the government of the Articles of Confederation was a complete failure, it would be logical to advance the idea that the more powerful national government established under the constitution of 1787 was essential to the survival of the American Union. Between the two documents there were some drastic differences of opinion on governing tactics as mentioned in the Articles of Confederation compared to the Constitution of 1787 (Doc. C). Major differences were composited†¦show more content†¦They would also only have a single house in the national legislature. It also required confirmation by every state legislature as opposed to the three-fourths of the state conventions or legislatures. However the views under the Constitution of 1787 held two houses of congress, a house of representatives chosen by the people for a term of two years versus the annual term of its counter parting document. The U.S. senate would also be selected by the state legislature and serve terms of six years. By having longer terms and a non-unanimous vote there was more consistency with governing tactics and cut down on petty problems due to disagreements. The articles of confederation also allowed congress to regulate foreign commerce by treaties as did the Constitution, however the Articles held no check on conflicting state regulations, but the Constitution states that all state regulation must obtain congressional consent. Executive and judiciary views differed vastly between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation preferred no separate executive branch where the constitution called for a separate executive branch. Although both agreed on electing one of their own as president the Articles elected annually while the constitution elected every four years. The biggest difference was the roles that the president played. Under the Articles of Confederation the president possessed no power of veto, nor did heShow MoreRelatedThe Articles of Confederation and The Constitution1238 Words   |  5 Pagesgovernment has been defined by two very important documents. Reflecting on all governments of the past, they laid forth an impressive jumble of ideas that would lead the way to where we are today. These two documents are the Article of Confederation and the U.S Constitution. These two documents of precedent are both similar and unique, each with its own pros and cons, and neither being perfect. Both these documents addressed the prominent vital in national vs. state sovereignty, legislative selectionRead MoreThe Constitution And The Articles Of Confederation1373 Words   |  6 Pageswould enforce them? 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(Articles ofRead MoreThe Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution899 Words   |  4 PagesThe Constitution remains as relevant today as it did over two hundred years ago. Americans have lived their lives through the law of the Constitution of the United Staes of America for several years. The Constitution has kept our natio n together and has kept us strong. â€Å"The Constitution defines the United States of America. This greatest of American documents not only establishes our system of government; it limits the power of that government, specifying our irrevocable rights and privileges asRead MoreThe Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution2035 Words   |  9 Pagesmove forward and unite the thirteen states as a nation. It was then when Continental Congress met up in Pennsylvania and created a secured a document known as the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation was written on November 15, 1777, and ratified by all thirteen states on March 1, 1781. 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George Was hington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison to name aRead MoreThe Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution1461 Words   |  6 PagesJesse Ghuman Jason Stratton US History B17 11/15/2015 The Articles of Confederation The first approved document of the United States was the Articles of Confederation. However, after a few years, the Bill of Rights replaced the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. The Articles began the Constitution but the articles had contained a lot of weaknesses so they had to create a new document. Few of the Article of Confederation goals were to bring the states together and establish a strong