What significant change was proposed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia?

What significant change was proposed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia?

• A. To maintain a confederation structure.
• B. To create a more powerful federal government.
• C. To reduce the number of states.
• D. To establish a separate judicial system.

Answer: (B)

The proposal to create a more powerful federal government at the Constitutional Convention was a significant change from the Articles of Confederation, which had established a weak central government. Under the Articles, the federal government lacked the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively, leading to various issues, including economic turmoil and interstate disputes. Delegates sought to address these shortcomings by designing a new framework that would grant the federal government sufficient power to govern effectively while still maintaining a system of checks and balances. This resulted in the establishment of a stronger central authority with the ability to tax, regulate trade, and maintain a standing army, among other powers, ultimately aiming to create a more unified and functional nation.

The proposal to create a more powerful federal government at the Constitutional Convention was a significant change from the Articles of Confederation, which had established a weak central government. Under the Articles, the federal government lacked the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively, leading to various issues, including economic turmoil and interstate disputes. Delegates sought to address these shortcomings by designing a new framework that would grant the federal government sufficient power to govern effectively while still maintaining a system of checks and balances. This resulted in the establishment of a stronger central authority with the ability to tax, regulate trade, and maintain a standing army, among other powers, ultimately aiming to create a more unified and functional nation.