Final answer:
To amend the Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent of all states, while the current Constitution requires a two-step process for amendments: a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, or from two-thirds of state conventions, for proposal and a three-fourths majority of state legislatures for ratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amending the Articles of Confederation vs. The Constitution
The original Articles of Confederation set a very high bar for amendments; requiring the unanimous consent of all the states, which proved to be a near-impossible hurdle. This issue was addressed in the United States Constitution with the establishment of a more practical amendment process outlined in Article V. To amend the Constitution, the first step is the proposal phase: either two-thirds of both chambers of Congress must agree, or two-thirds of the states can call for a convention. The second step is the ratification phase, which requires the approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures. This two-step process facilitates the Constitution's ability to evolve over time while still maintaining a structured and deliberative approach that ensures wide agreement across the nation.
It is important to note that the process for amending the Constitution reflects a careful balance between the need for change and the stability of the foundational law of the land, necessitating broad consensus to alter its tenets. Given the solemnity of the act, it is rightfully a rigorous process, with each amendment contributing to the Constitution's resilience and relevance throughout United States history.