Articles of Confederation Vs. The Constitution

Articles of Confederation Dates: Type of Government: Confederation-firm league of friendship among the 13 states Branches of government: one- a unicameral Congress; executive and legislative duties combined in Congress President? No, Congress performed both executive and legislative functions

Who has the power? States held the most power! Weaknesses of Articles: –Gave each state one vote regardless of size –Gave Congress no power to tax –No president –No judicial branch –Provided no common currency –No power over trade –No coercive power –Amendment only with the consent of all states –No army

The Constitution Dates: Ratified present! Type of Government: Federal government- power divided between a central government and state governments Branches of government: yes- 3 –Executive (carries out the laws) –Legislative (makes the laws) –Judicial (interprets the laws) President? yes

Who has the power? Federalism: power divided between national and state governments Problems “fixed” under the Constitution: –Bicameral Congress- one house based on pop. and the other on equal representation –Congress may tax –Created a President –Separate judicial branch –Congress has power to coin money –Congress has power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce –States have powers but are limited by the Constitution –2/3 of congress can propose an amendment to the Constitution; ¾ of states needed to ratify an Amendment –Congress can create army/navy