Question

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...
The said into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare
The Articles of Confederation, 1777
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land
The United States Constitution, 1787
How do the excerpts provided illustrate a change in the American view on the role of the national government during the period of 1750-1800? The excerpts display a movement toward the use of confederations as a structure of
A)governance.
The excerpts indicate a recognition of the need for a stronger national authority to
B)govern the states.
The excerpts show a renewed focus on the protections for the institution of slavery
C)and foreign commerce.
The excerpts illustrate principles of socialism, as evidenced by the phrase mutual
D)and general welfare.

Answer 1

The American view on the role of the national government changed from 1750-1800, as evidenced by the transition from the Articles of Confederation which favored state sovereignty to the Constitution which established a stronger federal government. This reflects a shift from the belief in a loose confederation to the need for a centralized authority to effectively address national issues and ensure the welfare of the union.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpts from the Articles of Confederation (1777) and the United States Constitution (1787) illustrate the American evolution in thinking about the role of the national government from the concept of a loose confederation to the recognition of a need for a stronger, centralized national government during the period of 1750-1800.

Under the Articles of Confederation, the states retained substantial sovereignty and independence, operating more akin to individual countries with limited powers granted to a weak central government. This decentralized system proved inadequate in addressing national issues such as defense, taxation, and interstate commerce.

Consequently, the Constitution followed, which established a federal system with a stronger national government capable of exercising broad powers, including taxation, raising armies, and regulating commerce - essentially asserting that the Constitution and laws made under its authority were the supreme law of the land.

The transition from the Articles to the Constitution reflected the shift from valuing the maximum sovereignty of the states to understanding the necessity of a more capable and authoritative national government to ensure the common defense, security of liberties, and general welfare - aims which were unattainable under the Articles of Confederation.