Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution share a foundational structure, yet differ in the degree of power granted to the central government. The Constitution provides a stronger federal system with a clear separation of powers and checks and balances, in line with republican and democratic values.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution, it is evident that they share some similarities in framework but differ significantly in the extent of power granted to the central government. The Articles of Confederation established a loose confederation and limited central authority, primarily due to a prevailing distrust of a powerful central government, stemming from experiences with British rule. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution created a stronger federal government with distinct powers provided to the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches that are outlined in its Seven Articles. The Articles of Confederation lacked an executive and judicial branch, and Congress had limited powers, notably in its inability to enforce laws and lack of authority to levy taxes.
The Constitution manifests republican and democratic principles through the representation of the people in Congress and through the checks and balances system among the three branches of government. It deviates from these principles in some aspects, such as the original lack of a Bill of Rights which was later addressed with amendments. Moreover, the Constitution's “necessary and proper” clause and the Supremacy Clause grant the federal government broad powers over state powers, showing a shift towards national authority.