The Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution

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The Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution

• Strengths and Weakness

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Map of the 13 Colonies
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Articles of Confederation

• The Articles established the first national
  government for the new nation, the United States
  of America. The first Constitution of the
  United States
• It wasn't until 1781 that the Articles of
  Confederation was finally adopted.
• The central government didn't have a whole lot of
  power.

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United States Constitution

• From May to September 1787, the men, known as the
  Framers, met in Philadelphia and discussed what
  should be in the Constitution.
• The Constitution is the highest law in the U.S.
  All other laws come from the Constitution.
• The Constitution also provides the framework for
  the U.S. government.
• The Constitution said that only nine states had
  to agree to the Constitution, but everyone wanted
  all of the states to agree. Two states, North
  Carolina and Rhode Island, took a long time to
  decide to agree to the Constitution.
• When the Constitution was accepted by these first
  nine states, we say that it was "ratified." New
  Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify.

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Part I.

• Directions Complete the chart by listing the
  information for the Articles of Confederation and
  the Constitution next to the corresponding
  category.

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Articles of Confederation

• Levying Taxes Congress could request states to
  pay taxes.
• Federal Courts No system of federal courts.
• Regulation of Trade No provision to regulate
  interstate trade.
• Executive No executive with power. President of
  the U.S. merely presided over Congress

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Articles Continued

• Amending Document 13/13 states needed to amend
  Articles.
• Representation of States Each state received 1
  vote regardless of size.
• Raising an Army Congress could not draft troops,
  dependent on states to contribute forces.
• Interstate Commerce No control of trade between
  states.

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Articles Continued

• Disputes between States Complicated system of
  arbitration.
• Sovereignty Sovereignty (authority or
  rule/independence) resides in the states.
• Passing Laws 9/13 needed to approve legislation.

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Constitution

• Levying Taxes Congress has the right to levy
  taxes on individuals.
• Federal Courts Court system created to deal with
  issues between citizens and states.
• Regulation of trade Congress has right to
  regulate trade between states.
• Executive Executive branch headed by President
  who chooses Cabinet and has checks on power of
  judiciary and legislature.

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Constitution Continued

• Amending Document 2/3 of both houses of Congress
  plus ¾ of state legislatures or national
  convention.
• Representation in States Upper House (Senate) w/
  2 votes Lower House (H.O.R.) based on
  population.
• Raising an Army Congress can raise an army to
  deal with military situations.

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Constitution Continued

• Interstate Commerce Interstate commerce
  controlled by Congress.
• Disputes between States Federal court system to
  handle disputes.
• Sovereignty Constitution the supreme law of the
  land.
• Passing Laws 50 1 of both houses plus
  signatures of President.

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Part II.

• Directions Using the completed chart, answer the
  comprehension questions in complete sentences.
• Make sure you
• TTQA
• Answer the Question
• Use Evidence
• Explain your answer
• Make a connection if possible