Reference on the Central Government: Articles of Confederation Compared to the Constitution

The left column shows common governmental responsibilities. The two columns on the right show whether the responsibility is assigned to the central government with the Articles of Confederation and with the Constitution.

 

 

Central Government With …

 

Articles of Confederation

Constitution

Responsible to conduct foreign affairs

Yes – Congress.

Failure: Jay-Gardoqui Treaty

Yes – Executive with Congressional approval

Responsible to declare war and peace

Yes – Congress

Yes – Congress

Able to coin money

Yes

Yes – Congress

Able to levy taxes

No

Failure: impost duties amendment

Yes – Congress

Able to raise troops

No

Yes – Congress

Able to regulate commerce

No

Failure: No commercial treaty with Britain

Yes – Congress

Method to change the system

13 state legislatures agree

Amendment process –

 

2/3 to propose – Congress or state legislatures

3/4 to ratify – conventions or state legislatures

Method to write laws

9 votes (1 vote per state)

Majority of House and Senate

 

 


 

Copyright C. J. Bibus, Ed.D. 2003-2015

 

WCJC Department:

History – Dr. Bibus

Contact Information:

281.239.1577 or bibusc@wcjc.edu

Last Updated:

2015

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