The two documents, namely the U.S constitution with amendments and the articles of confederation several distinct differences although they are both political entities meant for smooth running of states and governments through various legislative provisions.
To begin with, it is important to note that a constitution is a set of laws and regulations adopted by a state or government for the purpose of smooth governance. On the other hand, a confederacy is a union of persons, states, governments or political parties who come up together to pursue a common goal or objective. Members within a confederacy have to stick to certain rules which are used as baselines for governance. Moreover, the language at the start of each document tends to signify the dignity, sovereignty and the power which is endowed in people to which the articles or constitution concerns.
One of the remarkable differences appears on the legislative structure. Whereas the Articles of Confederacy proposes only a single legislative house called the Congress, the Constitution provides for a two houses namely the Senate and House of Representatives. Each state is supposed to have at least two members and not exceeding seven according to the Articles of Confederacy. As per the U.S constitution, each state should have two senators. It is the number of people in any given state which determines the actual number of represents to be awarded. On a similar note, the Articles allows only a single ballot power within a federation or state while a Senator or Representative is allowed by the constitution to give a single vote during all ballot processes in Congress. Furthermore, the articles states that members can only be selected by the legislature while the constitution states that it is the Senators who can be picked by the legislative body while Representatives go through an electoral process through a majority vote.
The office tenure in the articles of confederacy is only twelve months while Senators can be retained in office up to six years and Representatives two years according to the constitution. However, the constitution does not have a limitation in office tenure for members of the legislature contrary to the articles which puts a limitation of three years or less within a given six year term. These legislative members are paid differently as well; the states cater for members’ remuneration according to the Articles of Confederacy while the constitution stipulates that Congressional payment is the duty of the government at the federal level.
During recess period, the Articles of Confederacy legally allows committee members within each region to take control of the Congress. However, the constitution notes that when the Congressional sessions are not on, the President has the power to order the Congress back.
He is also the head of the Congress according to the provisions of the Articles of confederacy although the Vice-President and the Speaker chair the Senate and House of Representatives respectively as per the constitution. The President is the chief executive office of the country as provided for in the constitution in contrary to the articles which does not specify such a provision.
New member states can only be admitted when there is a unanimous approval by the Congress as the U.S constitution. However, a total nine states, upon striking a common balance, can allow new members into the union according to the Articles of Confederacy. Nevertheless, Canada is excluded in this clause.