Political Science: The Articles of Confederation and the New Constitution

The Articles of Confederation and the New Constitution
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The Articles of Confederation and the New Constitution
The Articles of Confederation served as the first written constitution of the United States. Written in 1977 and later ratified in 1781, the document contained articles that regulated the relationship among the original thirteen states of the United States. However, the Articles created a weak confederation as they gave more power to the state governments, making the central government less powerful. For this reason, amongst other weaknesses, the present U.S. Constitution replaced the Articles in 1789. This paper delves into some of the powers granted to the states and the national government by the Articles, some problems associated with the Articles that paved the way for the New Constitution, and how the Constitution has enabled the federal government's right to rule and provided it with tools of coercion.
The Articles gave the states the power to maintain their sovereignty and independence. The emphasis is cited in Article II, "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence." The Article goes further to stipulate that states would maintain their power but with the exception of the powers given to the central government. The Article provides the states authority to exercise their powers but not the right to dictate the powers bestowed to the central government.
Under Article III, the Articles give the states the power to form a friendship to defend themselves, protect their liberties, and mutual and general welfare. It empowers the states to assist each other when they are under attack by forces grounded on religion, trade, or any other form. The states have the power to work together and form a united entity to fight attacks or forces leveled against any of them. The Articles give the states the power to return a fugitive from justice to their original state for prosecution under Article IV. The fourth Article also grants full faith and credit to the records, acts, and judicial proceedings of the courts and magistrates of every other state.
Article V gives the states the power of representation and the conditions that come with it. The Article states that no state shall be represented in Congress by less than two or more than seven members. Each state is also granted one vote in Congress and with no limitations on the freedom of speech and debate. In Article VI, the central government is granted power and responsibilities. For instance, only the central government is given the power to declare war. “No state shall engage in any war without the consent of the united states in congress assembled.” The Article also gives the central government the power to conduct foreign political or commercial relations. The states are prohibited from doing so. Although the states could not engage in war by themselves, the Article gives them the power to keep a well-regulated and disciplined militia of highly trained individuals and equipment.
The states are given the power to name army officers of or under the rank of colonel by Article VII. Vacancies in the army are also to be filled by the state that first made ...