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The 1787 Constitution addressed previous governmental weaknesses by establishing a stronger federal government with separate branches and checks and balances.
The Constitution of 1787 was a response to the perceived weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. The Articles had created a weak central government, with most power residing in the states. This led to a lack of uniformity in laws and regulations, difficulties in conducting foreign policy, and economic instability. The framers of the Constitution sought to address these issues by creating a stronger federal government with clear powers.
One of the key ways the Constitution addressed these weaknesses was by establishing a system of checks and balances among three separate branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. This system was designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that all branches would work together in the governance of the nation. The executive branch, headed by the President, was given the power to enforce laws; the legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, was given the power to make laws; and the judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, was given the power to interpret laws.
The Constitution also addressed the issue of economic instability by giving the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce and to coin money. This helped to create a more stable and uniform economic system across the states. Furthermore, the Constitution provided for a stronger federal government by giving it the power to levy taxes, raise armies, and conduct foreign policy. These powers were crucial in enabling the federal government to maintain order, protect the nation, and engage effectively with other nations.
In addition, the Constitution included provisions for amending it, allowing for changes and adaptations over time. This flexibility was a significant improvement over the Articles of Confederation, which required unanimous consent of the states for amendments, making it virtually impossible to change.
Overall, the Constitution of 1787 addressed the weaknesses of the previous government by creating a stronger, more flexible federal system with clear powers and checks and balances. This new system provided the stability and uniformity that the United States needed to grow and prosper.
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