In the years following the American Revolution, the United States faced significant challenges in establishing a new government and determining the right balance of power between federal and state authorities. Historians often debate the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation and the subsequent U.S. Constitution in addressing these challenges.
Using evidence from at least two different historical examples, analyze the extent to which the Articles of Confederation were effective in governing the new nation compared to the U.S. Constitution. Consider the issues of governance, economic stability, and political unity in your response.
Note: The solution includes an example perfect-score answer with a detailed rubric. Your response will not be scored.