Compare And Contrast The Anemic Articles Of Confederation

explanatory Essay

304 words

The second continental congress of revolutionary day was a little more than a conference of congress from the thirteen states. Shortly before the declaring of independence the United States congress appointed a committee to draft a written constitution for the brand new nation. The finished product was no other than the Articles of Confederation. Congress pledged to dispose of the vast areas for the common benefit. It also agreed to carve from the new public domain not colonies, but a number of republican states, which in time, would be admitted to the Union on terms of complete equality with all other states. This extraordinary commitment faithfully reflected the anticolonial spirit of the Revolution, and the pledge in the farmed Northwest Ordinance of 1787. …show more content…

In this essay, the author

Explains that the articles of confederation were a significant steppingstone toward the present day constitution.

But although the Confederation was praiseworthy as confederations went, the troubled times demanded not a loosely woven confederation but a tightly knit federation. This involved the yielding by the states of their sovereignty to a completely recast the federal government, which in turn would leave them free to control their local affairs. In spite of their defects, the anemic Articles of Confederation were a significant steppingstone toward the present day constitution. They clearly outlined the general powers that were to be exercised by the central government. The Articles kept alive the flickering idea of the union and to hold the states all together as one. Yet, the Articles of Confederation, were weak though they were, proved to be a landmark in the government. They were, for those days, a model of what a loose confederation ought to be. Thomas Jefferson enthusiastically hailed the new construction, as the best one that was existing or tat did ever

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Comparison Between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution
explanatory essay
Towards the end of the Revolutionary War, the people felt they needed a document to secure their independence from Britain. This document was the Articles of Confederation. Shortly after that, a new document was formed to what we know as the Constitution of the United States. These documents were similar but more different at the same time with each other, and each granted specific powers to the national government.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how the people felt they needed a document to secure their independence from britain, the articles of confederation, and the constitution of the united states.
- Explains that by throwing off the british monarchy, the states needed a new government and fast, which paved way for the articles of confederation.
- Explains that the article was written during the american revolution by the committee of the second continental congress. they wanted to give the states as much independence as possible.
- Explains that the articles of confederation left great concerns with the people of the united states; they felt there were major flaws in the articles.
- Opines that the first 52 words of the constitution are the most important part of it. it lists six objectives and purposes of government.
- Explains that the declaration of independence and the constitution of the united states were designed to work together.
- Explains that the constitution establishes three branches of a strong central government: the legislative branch or congress. this branch allows the government to coin and borrow money, regulate commerce (buy and sell goods), regulate immigration, set up post offices and roads, create an environment for good commerce, maintain army, navy, and militias.
- Explains that the executive branch or the presidential branch allows the president to be the commander in chief of the militaries and the united states.
- Explains that the supreme court is the smallest part of the constitution and allows it to take appeals from citizens, courts, states, make principled judgments, ensure jury trials, and uphold the constitution.
- Explains that the bill of rights is composed of ten amendments. the first amendment gave freedom of speech, press, and religion.
- Explains that the constitution of the united states was a strong central government, but the articles of confederation was too weak to allow the american people to feel secure with their independence.
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The Articles of the Confederation
explanatory essay
“Because of man’s sinful nature, we cannot live in a state of anarchy; we need government to maintain law and order. But because those in authority have the same sinful nature as the rest of us, we cannot trust government with too much power” (Stripes). There have been conflicting views on the nature of man since the birth of the United States of America. Some have said that we cannot trust government because those in office will act on their natural tendencies to enslave the people and create a monarchy from which there would be no escape. Others question the acts of the people, saying that humans are too naïve and ignorant to be able to keep a strong governing force over themselves. No matter what is being said, there is still a key phrase that continues to show up in the views of everyone: a government is necessary in the system of a country. The Articles of Confederation were the first type of government that America experienced, and from there the government mutated and became what we use today.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that man cannot live in anarchy because of his sinful nature. the articles of confederation was the first type of government that america experienced.
- Explains that after immigrants had congregated into the united states, they began to feel the british haughtily down their noses. the colonists revolted against the cruel treatment, and they broke away from their mother country.
- Explains that the articles of confederation were written by the second continental congress, but it took a while for them to become law.
- Explains that the powers of the continental congress had been unfolding almost by accident, since the new little american world was focused more on booting the "red-coats" out and less on creating an organized government system.
- Explains that the states "devoted little attention to their national government," and they continued to live under their states' laws. the states each had their own money system, so there began to be disputes among the american businessmen
- Describes how the second continental congress realized that the articles of confederation had flaws and devised a new license.
- Explains that at the conference, there were changes that had to be made. parts of the constitution didn't sit well with some state representatives, while those same parts did.
- Explains that the virginia plan and the new jersey plan were presented pertaining to how the people should be represented in this new government.
- Explains that the fear of tyranny created the division among the people who were for and against the constitution, which led to the first american parties: the federalists and the anti-federalists.
- Explains that the federalists favored the constitution and stressed the weaknesses of the articles of confederation. they felt that a strong government was needed to protect the nation and solve domestic problems.
- Explains that anti-federalists believed that the new constitution gave too much power to the national government at the expense of the state governments.
- Explains that the bill of rights included explicit limitations on government authority in the documents, attempting to protect the inalienable rights of individual citizens.
- States that the constitution of the united states of america is the document that we live by today. there have been small changes made through a variety of amendments, and some political branches have gained or lost power.
- Cites lamb, pamela k. 5 steps to a 5: ap us government and politics. boston, ma: charles hartford, 2005.
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The Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution: An In-Depth Analysis
analytical essay
The Articles of Confederation were approved by Congress on November 15, 1777 and ratified by the states on March 1, 1781. It was a modest attempt by a new country to unite itself and form a national government. The Articles set up a Confederation that gave most of the power to the states. Many problems arose and so a new Constitution was written in 1787 in Independence Hall. The new Constitution called for a much more unified government with a lot more power. Let us now examine the changes that were undertaken.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the articles of confederation were approved by congress on november 15, 1777, and ratified by the states on march 1, 1781.
- Explains the differences between the constitution and the articles of confederation in the way they set up the legislature.
- Explains that under the articles each state could send between 2 and 7 delegates to congress. each state was allowed 2 members in the senate and 1 representative per 30,000 people.
- Explains that the connecticut compromise resolved this issue by forming the two houses that we have today.
- Explains that voting in congress was different under the articles of confederation and the constitution. the connecticut compromise required a majority vote in both the house and senate.
- Explains that under the articles of the confederation, members of congress were appointed by state legislatures.
- Explains that senators and representatives were elected to 6 year and 2 year terms, respectively. they can be reelected indefinitely by the people when their terms are over.
- Explains that under the articles, the national government was not allowed to levy taxes; it was a right reserved for the states. under the constitution, congress is able to tax and raise revenue.
- Analyzes how the constitution has worked for over two centuries and continues to help our government function today. the founding fathers were intelligent and rational when writing it.
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The Progression From The Articles of Confederation to The Constitution As a Result of Anti-Federalist, and Federalist Debate
analytical essay
Looking back in history (1781-1787) at the debate over ratification of the Constitution we can see that the making of the constitution was a long drawn out battle between the federalists and the Anti-Federalists. There were concerns as to the inherent weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, such as the lack of action during Shay’s Rebellion, the issue over taxation, as well as the problematic consensus required by all states to change any one of the Articles. There was a fear that if given too much power the executive leader would become like the king they had just fought a revolution to free themselves from. This fear of giving too much power to a centralized government was what made the Articles so weak. The purpose of this paper is to examine the two sides of the debate of constitutional ratification, The Federalists (and the Federalist papers) as well as the Anti-Federalists (and the Anti-Federalist Papers) and look at their influence on the Constitution. By comparing the essentials of The Constitution as well as The Articles of Confederation we will be able to see the differences between the two. These differences will show us not only the weaknesses of the Articles but the strength of the new constitution. A second objective, where possible make what “if” statements as to what would have happened if the Articles were not replaced, and the Constitution was not written.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the making of the constitution was a long drawn out battle between the federalists and the anti-federalists.
- Explains the political consensus to work together as a collection, rather than as individual states, was agreed on after the american revolution.
- Explains that the 13 issues addressed in the articles are of great value to understand before we look at the two sides.
- Explains that the constitution was a combination of two plans, the connecticut compromise, and the new jersey plan.
- Explains the compromises that were admitted into the constitution and was necessary from the articles.
- Analyzes hamilton's argument that congress had no power to collect taxes, compared to the ottoman or turkish empire.
- Explains that the articles did not allow for a centralized government that could act in time of crisis. shay's rebellion was an example of this.
- Opines that the articles allowed congress to declare war and raise funds, but they could not conscript, draft, or in any way force individuals to fight in the army.
- Opines that the federalist side was the driving force that moved these events forwards, but the anti-federalists were the ones that won the debate.
- Explains that the anti-federalists were opposed to a stronger federal government because it took power away from states and local leaders and gave most of the power to federal governments.
- Explains that the federalists are the driving force for the ratification of the constitution. they based their ideas on federalism.
- Analyzes how the articles allowed each state more power than that of the congress assembled (sovereignty of article ii).
- Analyzes how the changes from the articles of confederation to the constitution have been for the better.
- Opines that it was crucial that the documents change during the history of the united states. the federalists made valid points about the threat of executive leadership.
- Analyzes hamilton, alexander, james madison, john jay, and clinton rossiter's the federalist papers.
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The Articles of Confederation
explanatory essay
The Articles of Confederation Independence from Britain made necessary the establishment of a new government. Eleven states drew up new constitutions; Connecticut and Rhode Island revised colonial charters. The Articles of Confederation created a loose union of near-sovereign states. The Confederation was inadequate and was failing in the structure of government. They also were in deep trouble, financially and economically.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the letters that were sent to the pentagon to guarantee interest payments on war debt.
- Explains that because all 13 states had to agree, the proposal was thrown out.
- Explains that the spanish wants the united states to give up.
- Describes the reasons for his faith in a new confederation.
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The Articles of Confederation
explanatory essay
The Articles of Confederation Following the Revolutionary War, the new American Government was set up under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation did not give the federal government enough authority to be effective. So in 1787 delegates from all the states attended a meeting known as the Constitutional Convention.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the articles of confederation did not give the federal government enough authority to be effective. in 1787 delegates from all the states attended a meeting known as the constitutional convention.
- Explains that james madison, william paterson, and roger sherman contributed a great deal to the constitution that we live under today.
- Explains that madison was a diligent student of history and government. he was the youngest member of the continental congress and advocated tarriffs as the means of raising revenue.
- Explains madison's belief that success was imperative because failure would lead to a return to monarchy or to the dissolution of the united states into several different governments.
- Describes how madison arrived fully prepared to become the leading advocate of a strong central government. he introduced the virginia plan during the continental convention.
- Explains that he wanted the national government clothed with positive and compleat authority in all cases which require uniformity. the upper house of the legislature was to have a veto on the state legislation.
- Describes how madison's outstanding preparation, sharp mind, and flexibility in changing situations made him the undisputed leader of the convention. he rose to address his colleagues at philidelphia more than 150 times.
- Explains that he wrote the definitive notes of the convention's deliberations. he blends together the profound politician with the scholar.
- Describes james william paterson as an agreeable, eloquent, and convincing speaker of the united states. he immigrated to america in 1745 and studied law under richard stockton.
- Explains paterson's interest in national affairs and citizens' rights as a young man. he discussed patriotism in his commencement address to his princeton graduating class.
- Narrates how paterson applied his legal and executive skills to the service of the country during the revolutin, the constitutional.
- Analyzes how paterson argued with considerable force that the legal jurisdiction of the convention was limited and the delegates were assembled not to devise a pure democratic government.
- Explains that paterson defended the concept of states' rights at the convention, believing that it was the will of the people to protect the powers of state from federal encroachments.
- Opines that we have no power to go beyond the federal scheme, and the people are not ripe for any other. georgia delegate william pierce commented on paterson's influence during the preceedings.
- Describes roger sherman as a man of modesty whose looks bespeak talent of no great extent, but he's classic, lawyer, and orator- and of disposition so favorable to his advancement that everyone seemed to exalt him.
- Explains that sherman received little formal education, although he loved to read. his strong personality and dedication to the work ethic led him to his success.
- Narrates how sherman's tremendous activity, combined with worry about the well-being of several sons serving in the continental army, began to take their toll on his health.
- Explains that jeremiah wadsworth honored his effectiveness in concluding with some irony that he was "as cunning as the devil in managing legislation." sherman was the most influential figure in congress.
- Explains sherman's connecticut comprimise, which solved the problem of representation. his public career reflected the heritage and concerns of his native new england.
- Describes sherman's virtues of hard work and honesty, which he assiduously applied to the service of the republic. john adams described sherman as "an old puritan, as honest as an angel and as firm in the cause of american independence as mount atlas."
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Articles Of Confederation
explanatory essay
Articles of Confederation It would have been very difficult to run an effective government under the Articles of Confederation. Many of the great minds politically active after the American Revolution realized this; thus arrived the birth of one of the greatest political documents of all time: The Constitution. With the implement of the Constitution, the United States government became effective. The product of some of the greatest minds to ever exist in this world, the Articles did have some positive effects on society.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that it would have been difficult to run an effective government under the articles of confederation. many of the great minds politically active after the american revolution realized this.
- Opines that the articles had positive effects on society, such as ending the revolutionary war, negotiating a favorable end to the war in the treaty of paris, and creating new territories through the northwest ordinance.
- Explains that any amendment of the articles required a unanimous votethroughout the colonies. since there were two sides to everything, changing them to eliminate ideas that did not function properly was near impossible.
- Explains that the articles' ineffectiveness was that congress was in essence tied in itsauthority. after the war, the colonists trusted no ultimate authority; it could not regulate commerce.
- Explains that thomas jefferson wrote the constitution, which delegated power, at the discretion of the people. the great minds who designed it realized they were notinfallible and could make mistakes.
- Explains that the checks and balances allowed for these mistakes. it ensured that no one section of government could grow so powerful that it could be considered a parliament.
- Explains that the articles of confederation were without adoubt weak and ineffective, but they laid the foundation for the construction of the constitution.
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The Need for a Constitution
analytical essay
“Pride of independence deep and dangerous hold on the hearts of many of the state politicians” ( Bennett, 112) The leadership under the Articles at the state level was more democratic. However, was heading towards oligarchy, because these men who were in power often only concern themselfs with their own state, and competing with other states to benefit their state or goals. The politicians were using their power to . The confederation is doomed, “Confederations have proved to be workable only in small countries that do not play major roles in international affairs and can resist or avoid aggressive nations due to special circumstances. The United States harbored potential as a great power with vast resources, making a strong executive branch necessary.” ( Schweikart, 16-7-Patriot’s Reader) The event to show the weakness of the state leadership under the...
In this essay, the author
- Explains why the u.s. rejected the more democratic government for a lesser one because the country was either going towards monarchy or an oligarchy.
- Analyzes how the jay-gardoqui treaty showed the weakness of the state leadership under the articles.
- Analyzes how the articles of confederation failed at the state and local levels, and the american people were considering a monarchy, instead of their democracy.
- Explains that the constitution was designed to avoid a monarchy or an oligarchy, and to answer the problem in the current system, which were the corruptible nature of man.
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Articles of Confederation
narrative essay
Articles of Confederation TO ALL TO WHOM these Presents shall come, we the undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting. Where as the Delegates of the United States of America in Congress assembled did on the fifteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy seven, and in the Second Year of the Independence of America agree to certain articles of Confederation and perpetual Union between the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in the Words following, viz. " Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union between the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia Article I. The Style of this confederacy shall be "The United States of America. " Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled Article III.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the articles of confederation and perpetual union between the states of new hampshire, massachusetts bay, rhode island and providence plantations.
- Explains that each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the united states, in congress assembled.
- States that the states enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare.
- Explains that when land-forces are raised by any state for the common defense, all officers of or under the rank of colonel, shall be appointed by the legislature of each state.
- Opines that all charges of war, and all other expenses that shall be incurred for the common defense or general welfare, will be defrayed out of a common treasury, provided by the several states, in proportion to the value of all land within each state.
- Opines that the united states in congress assembled shall have the sole and exclusive right and power of determining on peace and war, except in cases mentioned in the sixth article, such as sending and receiving ambassadors, entering into treaties and alliances.
- States that the united states in congress assembled shall be the last resort on appeal in all disputes and differences now subsisting or that hereafter may arise between two or more states.
- Describes the duties of the united states in congress assembled.
- Describes the powers that the committee of the states, or any nine of them, shall be authorized to exercise, in the recess of congress, by the consent of nine states.
- Explains that canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the measures of the united states, shall be admitted into and entitled to all the advantages of this union.
- Explains that all bills of credit emitted, monies borrowed, and debts contracted by, or under ity of congress, before the assembling of the united states, shall be deemed and considered as a charge against the united states, for payment and satisfaction whereof the said
- Opines that every state shall abide by the determinations of the united states in congress assembled, on all questions which by this confederation are submitted to them.
- Opines that it has pleased the great governor of the world to incline the hearts of legislatures we respectively represent in congress, to approve of, and authorize us.
- Describes the rights and immunities of free citizens in each of the states, except paupers, vagabonds, and fugitives from justice.
- Describes the responsibilities of delegates in congress and states that they shall have one vote.
- States that no state shall enter into any treaty, confederation or alliance without the consent of the united states in congress assembled.
- Explains that controversies concerning the private right of soil claimed under different grants of two or more states, and the states which passed such grants, shall be determined on the petition of either party to the congress of the united states.
- Opines that the united states in congress assembled shall never engage in a war, grant letters of marquee and reprisal in time of peace, enter into any treaties or alliances, coin money, or regulate the value thereof.
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Comparison Of The Articles Of Confederation In The United States
analytical essay
At time period of the Articles of Confederation, in the United States, Florida held a different persona than the rest of the colonies, with an array of vast differences seem to funnel an airy of exclusion to the rest of the nation. Among the sovereign states, the Articles of Confederation, left the national government by all accounts powerless. Leading to the states taken political matters into their own accounts and hands, for an example Georgia, threatening to go to war with the borderland of Spanish Florida, for the non-return of escaped slaves.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the articles of confederation left the national government by all accounts powerless, leading to states taking political matters into their own accounts.
- Explains that florida was a borderland, and the exchange of ownership, inclusive of britain and spain, affected social identities. indian communities changed by the entrance of large numbers of blacks.
- Analyzes how spanish florida became a safe haven, an extreme attraction to escaped and runaway slaves, to the negro fort.
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