Final answer:
The US Constitution created a stronger central government than was present under the Articles of Confederation by establishing a separate executive, a judiciary, and the power to tax and regulate commerce, while still respecting state sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the US Constitution Differed from the Articles of Confederation
The US Constitution significantly altered the balance of power between the states and the national government compared to the Articles of Confederation. Under the Articles, the federal government was quite weak, with no separate executive or judiciary, and it lacked the ability to regulate trade, tax the states directly, or enforce the laws it made. Conversely, the Constitution created a stronger national government with expanded powers, including a separate executive branch, a national judiciary, and the power to regulate interstate commerce and levy taxes.
The Constitution also maintained state powers by allowing states to establish local governments and have a say in amendments through ratification. It achieved a balance, creating a federal system where the central government had more authority but still recognized the sovereignty of individual states, protecting their rights within the new structure.
Ultimately, the Constitution provided a frame of government for the new nation that was both national and federal, increasing the powers of the federal government while continuing to respect the role of states, contrary to the claim that it removed all authority from state governments or gave states powers that conflicted with national interests.