Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, while the U.S. Constitution created a stronger federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution is the level of power given to the federal government. The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, with most power residing in the individual states. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution created a stronger federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
For example, under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had no power to tax or regulate commerce. This lack of central authority led to various problems, such as difficulties in raising funds for the military and economic disputes between the states. The U.S. Constitution addressed these issues by granting the federal government the power to tax, regulate commerce, and make decisions that affected the entire nation.
Additionally, the U.S. Constitution introduced the concept of separation of powers, with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches having distinct roles. This system of checks and balances was designed to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.
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