Question

Evaluate the extent to which the Constitution resolved the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Confine your answer to the time period between 1780 and 1800. Provide specific evidence to justify your answer.

Answer 1

Answer: The Constitution improved greatly on the Articles of Confederation by creating an appropriately strong federal government, with provisions for protections of freedom.

Improved strengths of the federal government:

1. Creation of an executive branch of federal government, where the Articles just had a legislature.

2. Creation of a federal court system, with a Supreme Court that has final say (Articles of Confederation only allowed state courts)

3. Congress was divided into two bodies to allow for representation for both small and large states. Congress was granted powers to regulate interstate commerce, levy taxes, and print money.

Protections of freedom:

The Constitution includes the Bill of Rights. This outlines individual rights, and also reserves some rights to the states, so it protects from a tyrannical federal government.