This is a comparison between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States.
Articles of Confederation:
1. Laws must be approved by 9 out of 13 states.
2. Confederacy (loose alliance of states).
3. Congress lacked power to enforce laws.
4. No federal system; each state had significant sovereignty.
5. No national currency.
6. No president.
7. Control over interstate and foreign trade was limited.
8. No national courts.
9. No power to tax.
Constitution:
1. Laws require a majority vote in both houses of Congress.
2. Federal system (strong central government with state governments).
3. Congress has the power to enforce laws.
4. Federal and state courts exist.
5. There is a national currency.
6. There is a president.
7. Control over interstate and foreign trade is granted to the federal government.
8. There are national courts.
9. The federal government has the power to tax.
This comparison illustrates the shift from a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation to a stronger federal government with more defined powers under the Constitution. The Constitution was drafted to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and create a more effective system of government.