Why was the Constitution considered a significant improvement over the Articles of Confederation?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Get ready for your APUSH exam!

The Constitution is regarded as a significant improvement over the Articles of Confederation mainly because it established a stronger centralized government. Under the Articles, the federal government had very limited powers, which made it difficult to enforce laws, regulate commerce, and manage conflicts between states. The lack of a strong national system resulted in financial instability and an inability to respond effectively to internal and external challenges, such as Shays' Rebellion.

The Constitution addressed these weaknesses by creating a more robust federal structure that included an executive branch, a bicameral legislature, and a judicial system. This setup allowed for a better balance of power between the states and the national government, ensuring that the federal government could effectively manage national issues while still allowing states to maintain some degree of autonomy. Therefore, the centralization of government authority in the Constitution resolved many of the problems faced under the Articles, making it a crucial advancement in the governance of the United States.

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