The Articles of Confederatio

The Articles of Confederation was our countries first Constitution. It was a black and white agreement drafted by the Second Continental Congress. It was agreed upon and signed by the thirteen colonies in 1781. The Articles were mainly aimed at the state governments. The Articles had many weaknesses, but it also accomplished many things. The Articles of Confederation were able to keep the state together until the Constitution was written. I was because of the Articles that the Revolutionary war was ended with Great Britain. Many states gave up their claims to land west of the Appalachians. This land was given to the government. It helped to create a feeling of national security. Under the Articles, congress enacted laws to organize these territories and to admit as new states, with the same footing as the other states. Although the Articles of Confederation had it strengths, it had many weaknesses. The Articles were too weak to create and effective government. There was not executive department to carry out and enforce the acts of congress. The Articles had no national court system to interpret the meaning of the new laws. To make changes to the Articles every state had to agree. If one state didn't agree no changes were able to be made. Nine out of thirteen states had to approve any major changes in the law before it was passed. With the weak central government, each state was allowed to create its own foreign policies and create its own money, however it was possible that the money wouldn't be accepted in other states. When the war was over it left behind huge debts. However, under the Articles, congress wasn't allowed to collect taxes. They were only allowed to ask the states for money, which meant that many states were unable or unwilling to pay the government back. The Constitution of the United States is the central instrument of the American government and the supreme law of the land. (The Constitution: An Enduring Document) The Constitution established a central government, which has the power to regulate relations between the states. It also has sole responsibility in the areas of foreign affairs and defense. It's first ten amendments set the basis of human rights. The Constitution provides fairness and equally to all citizens. Under the Constitution presidents are only allowed to serve for two terms. This would allow for change. The separation of powers devised by the framers of the Constitution was designed to do one primary thing: to prevent the majority from ruling with an iron fist. (Constitutional Topic: Separation of Powers) From previous experience, the creators of the Constitution didn't want to give any branch of government to much power. The Constitution was written to fix the faults from the Articles of Confederation. The Constitutions biggest fault was the fact that it didn't