"Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled." — Articles of Confederation, Article II (ratified 1781)
Compared to the federal structure adopted in 1787-88, the principle expressed here:
- Acheck_circle
Lodged sovereignty more firmly in the states and denied Congress coercive authority over them
- B
Granted Congress an independent power to tax individuals as did the new Constitution
- C
Created an executive branch with veto authority over state legislation
- D
Established a federal judiciary with jurisdiction over interstate disputes
Explanation
Article II preserved primary sovereignty in the states and Congress could only requisition, not tax or coerce, them. The 1787 Constitution created an independent executive, a federal judiciary, and a direct federal taxing power — features absent under the Articles.