Answer:
In summary, the U.S. Constitution addressed the criticism of a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation by establishing a stronger, more centralized federal government with clear powers, checks and balances, and mechanisms for adaptability and protection of individual rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
One specific way the United States Constitution addresses a criticism of the Articles of Confederation is by providing for a stronger and more centralized federal government. The Articles of Confederation preceded the Constitution and created a weak central government with limited powers and authority. One of the major criticisms of the Articles was that it could not govern the nation and maintain order effectively.
To address this criticism, the U.S. Constitution created a more robust system of government with several key provisions, including:
Separation of Powers: The Constitution established a clear separation of powers between the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and allows for a system of checks and balances.
Stronger Central Government: The Constitution granted the federal government increased powers, such as the authority to regulate commerce, raise taxes, maintain a standing army, and make and enforce laws. This strengthened the ability of the federal government to govern and make decisions on behalf of the nation as a whole.
Federal Supremacy: The Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) in the Constitution establishes that federal law is supreme over state law when there is a conflict. This provision was intended to prevent the kind of state-level disputes and conflicts that often arose under the Articles of Confederation.
Amendability: The Constitution includes a process for its own amendment (Article V), making it adaptable to changing circumstances and needs. This flexibility allows the government to evolve and respond to new challenges.
Bill of Rights: The Constitution's first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, further addressed concerns about individual liberties and protection from potential abuses of government power. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms to citizens.