What were the basic features of the new constitution, and how did they differ from the government under the articles of confederation?

The new constitution, drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, introduced several key features that differed from the government under the Articles of Confederation. Some basic features of the new constitution include:

1. Stronger Central Government: The Constitution established a stronger federal government with separate branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—providing a more balanced distribution of power.

2. Bicameral Legislature: The creation of a bicameral legislature (House of Representatives and Senate) allowed for more effective representation and a balance between large and small states.

3. Executive Branch: The introduction of a single executive, the President, provided a more efficient and accountable leadership compared to the decentralized executive authority under the Articles.

4. Checks and Balances: The system of checks and balances ensured that no single branch of government could dominate, fostering cooperation and preventing abuse of power.

5. Federal Supremacy: The Constitution established the principle of federal supremacy, making federal laws supreme over state laws in cases of conflict.

6. Elastic Clause: The "Elastic Clause" or Necessary and Proper Clause granted Congress the authority to make laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers, allowing for adaptability over time.

7. Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were added shortly after ratification, guaranteeing individual rights and addressing concerns about potential government overreach.

These features aimed to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, such as a lack of centralized authority, inability to regulate commerce and taxation, and difficulties in making and enforcing laws. The Constitution sought to create a more stable and effective system of governance.