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Prepare a 2–3 page paper comparing three similar provisions in the U.S. Constitution and the Articles of Confederation. Discuss how these provisions have served to make the federal government more or less responsive to the needs of the people. Outline the major philosophical themes of the U.S. Constitution and the Articles of Confederation.

Use specific references from the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution to support your position. You will be graded on the clarity of your argument, the presentation of your position, use of the APA format, and your grasp of the historical development of the U.S. Constitution and its impact on government today.

Paper For Above instruction

The comparative analysis of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution reveals both continuity and evolution in the American federal system. Central to this comparison are provisions related to legislative authority, taxation, and the powers granted to the executive branch. These provisions showcase the philosophical underpinnings of each document and their influence on governmental responsiveness to citizens' needs.

Legislative Authority

Under the Articles of Confederation, legislative authority was vested predominantly in a unicameral Congress where each state had equal representation, regardless of population size (Articles of Confederation, 1781). This structure reflected a philosophy that prioritized state sovereignty over federal authority, aligning with Jeffersonian ideals emphasizing decentralized power. However, this arrangement limited Congress's ability to respond swiftly to national issues, as unanimous consent was often required for amendments, and the federal government lacked power to enforce laws directly on individuals or states (Grant, 2019).

In contrast, the U.S. Constitution established a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, with representation balanced between states and proportional to population (U.S. Const., Art. I). This shift signified a move towards stronger federal authority capable of more responsive governance. It embodied the Federalist philosophy that a robust central government is essential to maintain order and meet the needs of a diverse populace (Madison, 1788). The separation of powers further aimed to prevent tyranny, creating a system that could adapt more effectively to changing national circumstances.

Taxation Powers

The Articles of Confederation deliberately limited federal power to impose taxes, requiring unanimous approval from the states for revenue collection. This reflected the anti-centralization philosophy rooted in suspicion of federal authority and a desire to protect states' sovereignty. Consequently, the federal government was often short of funds, hampering its capacity to respond to crises like Shays' Rebellion (Shays’ Rebellion, 1786-1787), which exposed the weaknesses of the provisional system (Finger, 2000).

The Constitution rectified this by granting Congress the power to lay and collect taxes directly from individuals and establish tariffs, thus creating a more responsive federal framework. This change aligned with Federalist ideals advocating for a strong, centralized authority capable of funding national defense, infrastructure, and public welfare programs (Hamilton, 1787). The ability to generate revenue internally increased the government's responsiveness to economic needs and crises.

Executive Branch Powers

The Articles did not establish a separate executive branch, leaving authority vague and fragmented among congressional committees. This lack of a centralized executive impeded decisive action and responsiveness, especially during wartime or national emergencies. The philosophy behind this approach was rooted in suspicion of concentrated power, reflecting a Jeffersonian commitment to limited government and fear of monarchy-like authority (Jefferson, 1787).

The U.S. Constitution created a distinct executive branch headed by the President, with clearly defined powers such as veto authority, appointment powers, and command of the military (U.S. Const., Art. II). This development aimed to facilitate swift and effective responses to national issues, balancing the need for a responsive leadership with checks and balances to prevent tyranny. The executive's ability to act decisively in coordination with Congress reflects a philosophical evolution towards pragmatic governance aligned with Federalist principles (Federalist No. 70, Hamilton, 1788).

Major Philosophical Themes

The Articles of Confederation were deeply rooted in the philosophy of decentralization, emphasizing sovereignty of individual states and suspicion of strong central authority (Kettner, 1984). This approach prioritized states' rights and limited federal interference, which compromised national coordination but aligned with revolutionary ideals of independence and local control.

The U.S. Constitution, however, embodies the philosophies of Federalism and republicanism, advocating for a balance between state sovereignty and federal authority. It emphasizes the need for a strong central government capable of maintaining order, protecting property rights, and ensuring economic stability (Bailyn, 1992). This philosophical shift was driven by practical shortcomings of the Articles, which failed to address the needs of a growing, unified nation.

Impact on Government Responsiveness

The transition from the Articles to the Constitution marked a significant evolution in government responsiveness. The limitations of the Articles led to a weak federal system that struggled to respond effectively to economic crises, internal rebellions, and external threats. The Constitution's provisions increased governmental capacity, enabling federal institutions to act more swiftly and decisively in the interest of the nation as a whole (Dahl, 2003).

However, balancing responsiveness with safeguarding individual rights and preventing tyranny remains a challenge. The design of the U.S. government system reflects ongoing efforts to achieve this balance, informed by the philosophical debates from the founding era.

Conclusion

The comparison of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution highlights key philosophical themes rooted in decentralization versus federal strength and the evolution of government responsiveness. The provisions discussed—legislative authority, taxation, and executive power—illustrate how shifts in constitutional design have aimed to create a government capable of effectively responding to the needs of the people. While the Articles favored state sovereignty, the Constitution's emphasis on centralized authority and a stronger federal government fostered increased responsiveness, shaping the American political landscape today.

References

  • Bailyn, B. (1992). The ideological origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.
  • Dahl, R. A. (2003). How democratic is the American Constitution? Yale University Press.
  • Federalist No. 70. (1788). Alexander Hamilton. Retrieved from https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed70.asp
  • Finger, M. (2000). Shays’ Rebellion: The American Revolution’s Final Battle. G.P. Putnam.
  • Grant, L. (2019). The Articles of Confederation: An Analytical Perspective. Journal of American History, 106(2), 351-370.
  • Jefferson, T. (1787). Notes on the State of Virginia.
  • Kettner, S. (1984). The Development of American Constitutional Democracy. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
  • Madison, J. (1788). Federalist No. 10. The Federalist Papers. Retrieved from https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed10.asp
  • Shays’ Rebellion. (1786-1787). Historical overview. Retrieved from https://history.com/topics/american-revolution/shays-rebellion
  • U.S. Constitution. (1787). Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution

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