Comparison chart
Articles of Confederation versus Constitution of the United States comparison chart
 | Articles of Confederation | Constitution of the United States |
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| Introduction (from Wikipedia) | The Articles of Confederation, formally the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was an agreement among the 13 founding states that established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states. |
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. The Constitution originally consisted of seven Articles. |
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| Author(s) | Continental Congress |
Philadelphia Convention |
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| Created | November 15, 1777 |
September 17, 1787 |
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| Ratified | March 1, 1781 |
June 21, 1788 |
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| Purpose | First constitution for the United States; replaced by the current United States Constitution on March 4, 1789 |
To replace the Articles of Confederation (1777). The constitution established the government and laws. Through checks and balances on the branches of government, it ensured no branch assumed dictatorial powers. |
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| Signatories | Continental Congress |
39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention |
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| Powers allotted | gave more power to the state, with a weak national government. States were essentially left to rule themselves, without any interference from the national government. The state of the National government also declined. |
Separated powers between the state and federal level government as well as the three branches. Federal govt able to impose and collect taxes, establish public areas like post offices, roads, etc., and declare war against other countries. |
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| How bills were passed | A 9 state majority was required to pass bills into law, this was not practical as relations between the states deteriorated. |
A majority vote in both the House and Senate, as well as the President's signature is required today. A presidential veto can be overridden by a 2/3 majority in each house of Congress. |
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| Issues | After the American Revolution, almost every American was afraid a strong national government would become too powerful over time and infringe on rights. |
The issue of representation was a major issue in the Convention, threatening dissolution twice. Issues between northern states and southern states also was a major issue. |
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| Location | National Archives, Washington, D.C. |
National Archives, Washington, D.C. Online at https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/United_States_of_America_1992 |
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