Develop an argument that explains why U.S Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation, or why the Articles of Confederation was actually a better organizational document.
In your essay, you must do the following:
A. Develop and defend a thesis that responds to the prompt
B. Support you claim by citing evidence from the two documents (U.S Constitution and Articles of Confederation) as well as historical information from the period when the Articles of Confederation were in place and from the period when they were replaced with the U.S Constitution.
C. Establish a line of reasoning that is articulate and convincing
D. Address arguments that dispute your thesis and reasoning.
A. Thesis statement: The U.S Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation due to its ability to establish a stronger central government, promote economic stability, and provide a more effective system of representation.
B. Evidence from the U.S Constitution:
- The U.S Constitution created a central government with three separate branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This system of checks and balances ensured that no branch could become too powerful, preventing tyranny and promoting stability.
- The Constitution established an effective system of representation with a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This allowed for equal representation of states while also accounting for population differences, ensuring fair decision-making.
Historical information from the Articles of Confederation period:
- The Articles of Confederation, in effect from 1781 to 1789, established a weak central government with limited powers. Each state operated as independent entities, resulting in difficulties passing laws and making decisions on a national scale.
- The lack of a central currency led to economic instability, as each state had its own currency and trade policies, making interstate commerce challenging. This hindered economic growth and stability.
C. Line of reasoning:
The U.S Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger central government. This new framework allowed for the effective passage of laws, resolution of disputes, and maintenance of order. With a system of checks and balances, it prevented the concentration of power and protected the rights of individuals and states.
Additionally, the U.S Constitution introduced a more stable economic system by allowing the federal government to regulate trade and establish a uniform currency. This promoted economic growth and stability, benefiting all states and encouraging interstate commerce.
The establishment of an effective system of representation was another improvement introduced by the U.S Constitution. The bicameral legislature struck a balance between equal representation of states and accounting for population differences. This ensured that all states' voices were heard and provided a fair decision-making process.
D. Counterarguments:
Some may argue that the Articles of Confederation ensured greater state sovereignty and individual liberties. However, these advantages were overshadowed by the inefficiency and instability that resulted from a weak central government. The U.S Constitution struck a balance between protecting individual and state rights while also establishing a government capable of addressing national issues.
Others might claim that the U.S Constitution allowed for a too powerful central government and limited state autonomy. However, the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution prevented the abuse of power. Additionally, the Tenth Amendment explicitly reserved powers to the states, ensuring their autonomy within certain areas.
In conclusion, the U.S Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation due to its ability to establish a stronger central government, promote economic stability, and provide a more effective system of representation. The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were addressed through the creation of a well-balanced framework that protected individual and state rights while ensuring the smooth functioning of a united nation.