Ben+Gehman

Ben =ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION vs THE CONSTITUTION= ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION vs. THE CONSTITUTION There are major differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation had been in effect sine 1781. They established what could be referred to as a "league of friendship" and a quasi-constitution for the states that were sovereign and independent subsequent to the American Revolution. Those articles appeared to be "woefully inadequate" to James Madison. Madison believed that the central government had little power, while the states had considerable power. The central government was not able to tax, or set commercial power, nor could a war effort be effectively supported. It did not have the power to settle disputes between the states. The central government was considerably weak in all aspects in light of the Articles of Confederation. Something had to be done about this before a great economic disaster occurred. Congress attempted to function with a t .. . They were tired of the British type of rule, but many were in favor of something similar to monarchy, only better. No one person or state or party should be unwilling to compromise for the good of all people and states of the nation. However, if I had known what I know now, I would not have supported the Constitution, because the federal government has entirely too much power and the states have too little in the 1990s. The learned men that wrote the Constitution knew what they were doing and what they wished to accomplish. In fact, quite a few of them were thrown into prison, while land was being confiscated and sold for taxes. In fact, many were optimistic of the Constitutional Convention. The Constitution was a compromise. In order to accomplish some things, others had to be forfeited. To have one central government that provides checks and balances to the states is just what was needed at the time. Had I been alive in the year the Constitution was submitted to the states, I can honestly say that I would have supported the ratification of the Constitution. Although the delegates fought tooth and nail for their individual issues, there was a consensus that a central form of government was needed. When the delegates of the states met in Philadelphia, it was a momentous occasion. The Constitutional Convention was the means to fashion the new government of America into Madison's mold. James Madison felt that something had to be done quickly, and he opined that there should be a strong central government so that order and stability could be provided to the nation.