Question 5

Compared with the Articles, the Constitution gave the central government significantly greater power to tax and raise armies.

The Constitution enhanced the capabilities of the central government by granting it significantly greater power to tax and raise armies compared to the Articles of Confederation, which had limited such powers and left the government largely ineffective.

A) significantly greater power to tax and raise armies

This option is correct because the Constitution allowed the federal government to impose taxes directly on individuals and to maintain a standing army, both of which were significant changes from the Articles of Confederation that required states to contribute troops and taxes voluntarily.

B) less power to tax and raise armies

This option is incorrect. The Constitution did not reduce the power of the central government in these areas; rather, it expanded them significantly, enabling the government to effectively manage national defense and fiscal responsibilities.

C) similar voting rule among states

This option is incorrect as well. Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had one vote regardless of size or population, but the Constitution established a different system for representation that varied based on population, particularly in the House of Representatives.

D) similar war-authorization rule

This option is incorrect. While both documents addressed war powers, the Constitution provided the central government with clearer and stronger authority to declare war, compared to the Articles, which required a consensus among states for military action.

Conclusion

The Constitution's grant of significantly greater power to tax and raise armies is crucial for understanding the shift from the Articles of Confederation to a more powerful federal government. All other options fail to accurately represent the enhancements made by the Constitution, particularly in terms of fiscal and military authority.