The Articles of Confederation VS. The United States Constitution

The Articles of Confederation VS.

The United States ConstitutionCharacteristics of the National

Governments of the United States

A Change in Government

In 1787, the Founding Fathers were concerned for the future of the nation. The Articles of Confederation had created a loose confederation of nations, but had not achieved stability for the nation. Debts remained unpaid, states squabbled with one another, uprisings took place between rich and poor citizens over the way money was regulated, and the Congress had little power to change anything!

The Constitutional Convention: Philadelphia, 1787

After Shays’ Rebellion in 1786, a convention was called for the purpose of revising an amending the Articles of Confederation. The Constitutional Convention far exceeded its authority when it created the Constitution, but most Americans trusted the men’s motives. After all George Washington was the presiding officer at the Convention.

The US Constitution1. A national government

representing all citizens.

The Articles of Confederation

2. No regulation of trade between the states.

The US Constitution3. Power shared between the national and state governments.

The Articles of Confederation

4. Only one branch of government: Congress.

The US Constitution5. A two-house legislature: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Articles of Confederation

6. Only the states could collect taxes.

The US Constitution7. Three branches of government.

The Articles of Confederation

8. States could coin their own money.

The US Constitution9. Only the national government could make money.

The Articles of Confederation

10. A loose alliance of independent states.

The Articles of Confederation

11. A one house legislature.

The Articles of Confederation

12. Most power held by the states.

The US Constitution13. Congress granted the power to tax.

The US Constitution14. The national government has the power to regulate trade between the states.