Articles of Confederacy vs Constitution

Rebecca Kvamso Total views: 10 (Your views: 3) Sunday, March 3, 2013 8:16:22 PM CST Edited Date Sunday, March 3, 2013 8:16:22 PM CST The Articles of the Confederation was the first written constitution it was drafted by congress in 1777 and ratified four years later. There was just one house of congress. Each state was given one vote regardless of size, population, or wealth. Declaring war, foreign affairs and making treaties with other governments was the only specified powers of the affairs and making treaties with other governments was the only specified powers of the new government. The Articles was not so much a guideline for government but more like a peace treaty and unity pact among the states. The states wanted to be seen and respected as a nation but able to conduct themselves within that nation as independent, separate entities. There were no tax laws or regulations on import/ export taxes. No formula to pay national debt. States were supposed to just contribute as they seen fit. This seems to be a recipe for chaos. To amend the Articles took unanimous consent. entities. There were no tax laws or regulations on import/ export taxes. No formula to pay national debt. States were supposed to just contribute as they seen fit. This seems to be a recipe for chaos. To amend the Articles took unanimous consent Without regulation or a way to enforce it, the economy was going downhill fast. Many believed anarchy would soon result without a stronger unified government. Andrew Hamilton insisted a genuine liberty required “a proper degree of authority to make and Hamilton insisted a genuine liberty required “a proper degree of authority to make and exercise the laws.” In 1787 the decision was made to not to amend the Articles of Confederation, but instead to draft a new constitution Only 4000 words The Constitution of the United States outlines two basic principles division of powers and a system of checks and balances. The constitution is the outline for a three