In the wake of the American Revolution, the United States faced numerous challenges in establishing a stable government. The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, proved inadequate in meeting the needs of the new nation, leading to a call for a stronger federal structure. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a critical turning point in this process, as delegates debated the balance of power between state and federal authorities and sought to address issues of governance, representation, and taxation.
Which of the following characteristics of the new government established by the Constitution of 1787 most directly addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?