Question

What were the basic features of the new constitution, and how did they differ from the government under the articles of confederation?

Answer 1

The new Constitution was an improvement on the Articles of Confederation by providing a solid, universal government for the entire country. Improvements that the Constitution made allowed the Federalists to win out over the anti-Federalists because the reality of having a structured Federal government was essential to the success of the new country. In the Articles of Confederation, there existed a loose confederation of states. Only one vote was allowed for each state in Congress (one house) and a 2/3 vote was required to pass all important measures. The laws were executed by a committee of Congress, and more importantly, commerce and the power to levy taxes was under the control of Congress. The lack of federal courts and unanimity of all the states was required to amend. Under the Constitution, there was a system of checks and balances with a firm and strong central government. Congress was separated into two houses, the Senate and the House. Only a simple majority was required to pass laws. Composed of the dominate legislative branch, combined with the executive and judicial branches made the new Constitution a more realistic structure for government.

Debate between the Federalists and the anti-Federalists centered on the new Constitution and its ratification. Those who favored the Constitution (Federalists including the founding fathers), were the more respectable people, settled down in the civilized urban areas of town. Conversely, the anti-Federalists were a motley crowd of illiterates who still believed in the revolutionary idea. They were under the impression that the upper crust of society was going to put one over on them and establish a situation not dissimilar from the colonial days. Their main argument was that the sovereignty of the states was at stake with the Constitution. Being trapped again was not a popular option. Hot debate would wage on forcing the decision onto the people, forcing them to make the decision of changing their revolutionary standards to those conducive of a successful nation.