Articles of Confederation vs. Constitution

Flashcards comparing the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

What was the legislature like under the Articles of Confederation?

Unicameral, called Congress

What is the legislature like under the Constitution?

Bicameral legislature, with two houses (House of Representatives and the Senate)

How was voting conducted in Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

One vote per state, 13 votes total

How is voting conducted in Congress under the Constitution?

Voting in Congress is by representative

How were members of Congress selected under the Articles of Confederation?

All appointed by state legislatures

How are members of Congress selected under the Constitution?

House of Reps. is elected by the people, and members of the Senate are chosen by the state legislatures (now popular election, 17th amendment)

What was the term of Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

One year

What is the term of Congress under the Constitution?

HOR. term is 2 years. Senate serves for 6 years

What were the term limits for Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

No more than three out of every six years

What are the term limits for Congress under the Constitution?

No term limits

How was Congressional pay handled under the Articles of Confederation?

Paid by states

How is Congressional pay handled under the Constitution?

Paid by the national treasury

What was the executive branch under the Articles of Confederation?

None

What is the executive branch under the Constitution?

A president

What was the national judiciary like under the Articles of Confederation?

No federal courts

What is the national judiciary like under the Constitution?

Federal Judiciary (federal courts)

What was required for Amendment Ratification under the Articles of Confederation?

Unanimous by all states

What is required for Amendment Ratification under the Constitution?

¾ of states

How were the Army/Navy organized under the Articles of Confederation?

Congress could requisition troops from each state according to population

How are the Army/Navy organized under the Constitution?

Could build a navy; states could equip warships to counter piracy; Standing army and navy

Who could coin money under the Articles of Confederation?

United States and the states

Who can coin money under the Constitution?

United States only

Who could levy taxes under the Articles of Confederation?

Congress could not, but the states could

Who can levy taxes under the Constitution?

Both Congress and the States can tax

What type of consent was needed for Ratification under the Articles of Confederation?

Unanimous consent

How many states were needed for Ratification under the Constitution?

9/13 states

How would you characterize the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

Weak

How would you characterize the national government under the Constitution?

Strong