The Articles Of Confederation And The Constitution Compared

Front 1

Mode of ratification or amendment in the Articles of Confederation

Back 1

required confirmation by every state legislature

Front 2

Mode of ratification or amendment in the Constitution

Back 2

requires confirmation by 3/4 of state conventions or legislatures

Front 3

Number of houses in legislature in the Articles of Confederation

Back 3

One(unicameral)

Front 4

Number of houses in legislature in the Constitution

Back 4

Two(bicameral)

Front 5

Mode of representation in the Articles of Confederation

Back 5

One to seven delegates represent each state. Each state holds only one vote in Congress.

Front 6

Mode of representation in the Constitution

Back 6

Two senators represent each state in the upper house. Each senator holds one vote. One representative to lower house represents every 30,000 people (in 1788) in each state. Each representatives hold one vote.

Front 7

Mode of election and term of office in the Articles of Confederation

Back 7

delegates appointed annually by state legislatures

Front 8

Mode of election and term of office in the Articles of Confederation

Back 8

Senators are chosen by state legislatures for six-year term. Representatives are chosen by vote of citizens for two-year terms.

Front 9

Executive in Articles of Confederation

Back 9

No separate executive: Delegates annually elect one of their number as a president, who posses no veto, no power to appoint officers or to conduct policy. Administrative functions of government theoretically carried out by Committee of States, practically by various single-headed departments.

Front 10

Executive in the Constitution

Back 10

Separate executive branch: President elected by electoral college to four year term; granted veto, power to conduct policy and to appoint ambassadors, judges, and officers of executive departments established by legislation.

Front 11

Judiciary in the Articles of Confederation

Back 11

Most adjudication left to state and local courts; Congress is the final court of appeal in disputes between states.

Front 12

Judiciary in the Constitution

Back 12

Separate branch consisting of Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress to enforce federal law.

Front 13

Taxation in the Articles of Confederation

Back 13

States alone can levy taxes; Congress funds the Common Treasury by making requisition for state contributions.

Front 14

Taxation in the Constution

Back 14

Federal government is granted powers of taxation.

Front 15

Regulation of Commerce in the Articles of Confederation

Back 15

Congress regulates foreign commerce by treaty, but holds no check on conflicting state regulations.

Front 16

Regulation of Commerce in the Constitution

Back 16

Congress regulates foreign commerce by treaty; all state regulations must obtain congressional consent.