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Differences Between The Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution

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Differences Between The Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution
The United States has operated under two constitutions. The first was The Articles of Confederation, was in effect from March 1, 1781, when Maryland ratified it. The second was The Constitution which replaced the Articles when it was ratified by New Hampshire on June 21, 1788. Both documents are similar, but they have a lot of differences when looking at the details.
In the Articles of Confederation, states are sovereign and there is no independent exercise. There are no federal courts and all laws are enforced by state courts. No taxing power is given to Congress and Congress has no power over interstate or foreign commerce. Congress consists of one body and each state has one vote, amended only by approval of all the states. Congress has only
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An independent executive is chosen by the Electoral College. There is a separate federal court system, with power to resolve disputes between the states. Congress has the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, excises and has the power to regulate commerce with other nations and among the states. Congress consists of two bodies. Numbers in the House are based on population and each state has two Senators. Amended with approval of ¾ of states. Congress has implied as well as specific powers. Both central government and state governments directly on people.
The Executive branch is led by the President of the United States, and they make the official law. The President is selected by the people and serves a term of four years. The President's job is to ultimately approve the laws that are passed by the Legislative branch. He is also the Commander in Chief of the Military. The Executive branch also included the Vice President and the Cabinet. The Cabinet is made up of the heads of each of the 15 major departments of the government. The President goes to his Cabinet for

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