Develop an argument that explains why the US 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:
Develop and defend a thesis that response to the prompt
Support your claim by citing evidence from the two documents US constitution and articles of confederation as well as historical information from the period when the articles of consideration were in place and from the period when they were replaced with the US constitution
Establish a line of reasoning that is articulate and convincing
Address arguments that dispute your thesis and reasoning
Thesis: The US Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation due to its ability to address the shortcomings of the latter, bringing about a stronger and more cohesive nation.
One of the main reasons why the US Constitution was superior to the Articles of Confederation is because it successfully addressed the weaknesses of the latter. Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government had limited power and could not enforce its laws or regulate trade effectively. This lack of authority resulted in a weak central government that was unable to resolve disputes between states or maintain stability.
In contrast, the US Constitution established a stronger central government with three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation of powers ensured that no single branch could become too powerful and allowed for a system of checks and balances. The Constitution also granted the federal government the power to regulate trade, effectively promoting economic growth and interstate cooperation.
Furthermore, the Constitution introduced a bicameral legislature, with representation based on both population size (House of Representatives) and equal state representation (Senate). This compromise between large and small states ensured that neither group would dominate the other, promoting equal representation and preventing tyranny of the majority.
Historical evidence from the period in which the Articles of Confederation were in place demonstrates the limitations of the document. One notable example is the inability of the central government to effectively address the issue of mounting debts and a lack of revenue. Without the power to tax, the central government relied on voluntary contributions from the states, leading to a financial crisis.
In contrast, under the US Constitution, the federal government was granted the power to levy taxes, providing a stable source of revenue. This taxation power enabled the government to pay off debts and maintain a stable economy.
Some arguments may dispute the superiority of the US Constitution, claiming that the Articles of Confederation was better as it provided more power to the states and limited the influence of a central authority. However, historical evidence shows that this lack of central authority led to a weak and ineffective government that could not effectively address the nation's needs.
Moreover, the introduction of the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution ensured the protection of individual rights, addressing concerns that a strong central government might encroach upon the liberties of individuals and states. This inclusion demonstrates the thoughtful consideration given to striking a balance between states' rights and a strong federal government.
In conclusion, the US Constitution proved superior to the Articles of Confederation due to its ability to address the shortcomings of the latter. By establishing a stronger central government, introducing a system of checks and balances, granting the power to tax and regulate trade, and protecting individual rights, the Constitution ensured a more stable and cohesive nation.