Unit IV Scholarly Activity Constitution Comparison Wo 518461

Unit Ivscholarly Activity Constitution Comparison Worksheet

Compare the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution by filling out the blanks below. List the ratification year, number of votes, legislature structure, judicial system, trade control, passing laws, taxation, military control, currency issuance, and amendment process for both documents. Additionally, complete the missing words in the Bill of Rights related to freedoms, legal rights, and protections. Finally, analyze the philosophies of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the formation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing how their views reflected the societal context of late 18th-century America.

Paper For Above instruction

The transition from the Articles of Confederation to the United States Constitution marked a pivotal evolution in American governance. The Articles, ratified in 1781, established a weak federal government with limited powers, emphasizing state sovereignty. The ratification year was 1788, and each state had one vote. The legislative body under the Articles was unicameral, with state courts serving as the judiciary, and the federal government had no separate judicial branch. Trade was predominantly controlled by individual states, and passing laws required a simple consensus among states. Taxation was also state-controlled, and Congress relied on requisitions rather than taxes. The military was under state control, and the currency was issued by individual states. Amendments under the Articles required unanimous consent, which proved nearly impossible to achieve, highlighting the need for a stronger federal system.

Conversely, the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, created a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives—reflecting a balance between state and population-based representation. The constitutional framework established a separate judicial branch with the Supreme Court as the highest authority. Trade was federally regulated, laws required congressional passage plus the president’s signature, and taxation was under federal authority, with Congress having the power to levy taxes directly. The military was under federal control, and a national currency was issued by the federal government. Amendments under the Constitution required the approval of two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states, facilitating more manageable change processes.

The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, enumerates fundamental rights. The First Amendment guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. It also ensures the right to petition the government for redress. The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms to maintain a well-regulated militia. The Third Amendment prohibits housing soldiers during peacetime without consent, reflecting the colonial experience. The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, while the Fifth Amendment assures rights in criminal cases, including due process, protection from self-incrimination, and double jeopardy. The Sixth Amendment guarantees a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, and the Seventh provides for a jury trial in civil cases. The Eighth Amendment restricts excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. The Ninth Amendment affirms rights retained by the people not specifically enumerated, and the Tenth emphasizes states’ rights to powers not delegated to the federal government.

During the late 18th century, the Federalists and Anti-Federalists embodied contrasting visions of American government. Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong central government to maintain order, promote economic stability, and strengthen the nation’s unity. They argued that a powerful federal government was essential for a stable economy, national defense, and to fulfill international obligations. Their perspective was reflective of the societal need for a cohesive, organized system after years of chaotic Articles’ inefficiencies. The Federalists believed that a strong central authority could better regulate trade, create uniform laws, and sustain the republic.

In contrast, Anti-Federalists, including Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, championed state sovereignty and feared that a strong federal government could lead to tyranny reminiscent of British rule. They argued that liberty was best preserved through decentralization, with states retaining significant powers. This view was influenced by the colonial experience of resisting distant British authority and the desire to prevent an overbearing executive. Anti-Federalists were wary of the lack of a Bill of Rights in the initial Constitution, fearing that individual freedoms could be threatened without explicit protections. Their advocacy resulted in the addition of the Bill of Rights, which alleviated many of their concerns and reflected a societal preference for guarding personal liberties and limiting federal power.

The philosophies of these two groups mirror the broader societal debates of late 18th-century America. The Federalists’ push for a stronger federal structure was motivated by the need for economic stability, national security, and cohesive governance amidst a fragile new nation. Conversely, the Anti-Federalists prioritized safeguarding individual freedoms and local control, shaped by colonial experiences and a distrust of centralized authority. These debates set the foundation for American political culture, balancing authority and liberty—an ongoing tension that remains central to the nation’s constitutional framework (Ellis, 2015; Rakove, 2010; Wood, 1992; Beeman, 2009; Chernow, 2004).

In conclusion, the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution was driven by the necessity for a more effective federal government capable of regulating commerce, raising revenue, and providing national defense. The contrasting philosophies of Federalists and Anti-Federalists reflect the dynamic tension between authority and liberty that continues to shape American political identity. The Bill of Rights further embodies this balance by explicitly protecting individual rights against governmental overreach. Together, these developments established the foundational principles that continue to underpin the United States’ democracy today.

References

• Beeman, R. R. (2009). Plain, honest men: The making of the American Constitution. Random House.
• Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Press.
• Ellis, J. J. (2015). Founding brothers: The revolutionary generation. Vintage.
• Rakove, J. N. (2010). Original meanings: Politics and ideas in the making of the Constitution. Vintage.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage.