Charter Showdown Worksheet
Primary Source Document Analysis
Founding Charters: Structure of Congress
Name: ___________________________
Date: ____________ Period: _______
Directions: Closely examine the primary source excerpts below. Then, answer the analytical questions with evidence from the text.
Articles of Confederation (1781) Article V
1-3For the more convenient management of the
4-6general interests of the United States, delegates shall
7-8be annually appointed in such manner as the legislature
9-10of each state shall direct, to meet in one house…
11-12No State represented by less than 2, nor more than 7...
13-14In determining questions... each state shall have one vote.
U.S. Constitution (1787) Article I
1-8Sec. I: All legislative Powers vested in a Congress,
which shall consist of a Senate & House of Reps.
9-19Sec. II: House chosen every second Year... Reps
apportioned according to their respective Numbers...
20-24Sec. III: Senate composed of two Senators from
each State for 6 Years; each Senator has one vote.
1
Analysis: How is the structure of Congress different under the Articles of Confederation & the Constitution?
2
Analysis: What are the advantages of a bicameral [two houses/governing bodies] structure of Congress proposed by the Constitution as opposed to the unicameral [one house/governing body] structure proposed by the Articles of Confederation?
Unit: Foundations of American Government Page 1 of 3 • Legislative Architecture
Part 2 Analysis
Executive & Judicial Power
U.S. Constitution Articles II & III
U.S. Constitution (1787) Primary Source Excerpts Articles II & III
Article II: The Executive Branch
1-3Sec. I: The executive Power shall be vested in a President... Term of 4 Years.
4-7Sec. II: Commander in Chief of Army/Navy... Power to make Treaties with Senate consent.
Article III: The Judicial Branch
1Sec. I: The judicial Power of the United States,
2-4shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior Courts as Congress ordains.
3. Close Reading: According to line 1 of Article II Section I, what power does the Constitution grant the President? What does this imply to you or tell you about his role in government?
4. Analysis: The Articles of Confederation does not specify or establish an executive branch. Instead, these powers were granted to Congress. What does that suggest the Articles values: state's rights or federal power? Why?
5. Close Reading: According to Article III of the Constitution, where does the judicial power of the United States lie?
6. Analysis: Under the Articles, each state maintained its own courts. What are the advantages of having one supreme court as established by Article III instead of separate state systems?
Unit: Foundations of American Government Page 2 of 3 • Executive & Judicial Powers
Part 3 Analysis
Taxation & the Power of the Purse
Revenue Systems Comparison
Articles of Confederation (1781) Article VIII
1-6All charges of war & expenses defrayed out
of a common treasury supplied by states,
7-12in proportion to the value of all land within
each state... Taxes for paying that proportion
13-15laid & levied by legislatures of several states.
U.S. Constitution (1787) Article I, Sec. VIII
1-4Congress shall have Power To lay and
collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises,
5-6to pay Debts & provide for common Defence...
7-8all Duties & Excises shall be uniform
throughout the United States.
7. Analysis: What is different about the system for collecting taxes under the Articles of Confederation as compared to the Constitution?
8. Analysis: Which system for tax collection suggests that all states are equally important to the union? Cite textual evidence to support your claim.
9. Analysis: Which system for tax collection supports the idea that some states are worth more than other states? Cite textual evidence to support your claim.
Unit: Foundations of American Government Page 3 of 3 • Taxation & Revenue
Charter Showdown Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Scoring Guide
Answer Key: Structure of Congress
Answer Key
Part 1 • Legislative Branch
Key Historical Context: The Articles created a weak, unicameral league where each state had one vote. The Constitution resolved large vs. small state disputes through the "Great Compromise," creating a bicameral legislature.
1
How is the structure of Congress different under the Articles of Confederation & the Constitution?
Key Differences:
- Chambers: Unicameral (1 house) under Articles vs. Bicameral (House & Senate) under Constitution.
- Voting Power: Each state got exactly 1 collective vote under the Articles. The Constitution gives proportional seats to the House and 2 individual votes per state to the Senate.
- Selection: Appointed annually by state legislatures (Articles) vs. directly elected by citizens for 2 years in House and 6 years in Senate (Constitution).
2
What are the advantages of a bicameral structure of Congress proposed by the Constitution as opposed to the unicameral structure proposed by the Articles of Confederation?
Short Answer: A bicameral structure provides three main advantages:
- Fair Compromise: Protects small states with equal Senate votes (2 per state) while giving large states fair influence by population in the House.
- Checks & Balances: Prevents bad or hasty laws because both independent chambers must approve the exact same bill.
- Stability: Balances immediate public opinion (2-year House terms) with experienced, steady deliberation (6-year Senate terms).
Unit: Foundations of American Government • Teacher Answer Key Page 1 of 3
Teacher Resource • Scoring Guide
Answer Key: Executive & Judicial Power
Answer Key
Part 2 • Articles II & III
3. Close Reading: What power does line 1 of Article II Section I grant the President? What does this imply about his role?
Power Granted: Vests all "executive Power" in a single President.
Implication: Creates a single national leader responsible for enforcing laws passed by Congress, commanding the armed forces, and negotiating treaties.
4. Analysis: What does the absence of an executive branch under the Articles suggest it values: states' rights or federal power? Why?
Values: Strongly values states' rights over federal power.
