Question

read the following excerpt from federalist #15 by alexander hamilton. government implies the power of making laws. it is essential to the idea of a law; that it be attended with a sanction; or, in other words, a penalty or punishment for disobedience. if there be no penalty annexed to disobedience, the resolutions or commands which pretend to be laws will, in fact, amount to nothing more than advice or recommendation. according to hamilton, what was a failure of the articles of confederation that would be corrected by the new constitution? the government could not make laws under the articles, but would be able to under the constitution. the government could make laws under the articles, but would be able to enforce them under the constitution. the government could collect taxes under the articles, but could now lawfully spend money under the constitution. the government could not collect taxes under the articles, and would still not be able to under the constitution.

Explanation:

Hamilton emphasizes that laws need a sanction (penalty for disobedience). Under the Articles of Confederation, government - made laws were more like advice as there was no real enforcement mechanism. The new Constitution would allow for law - enforcement.

Answer:

The government could make laws under the Articles, but would be able to enforce them under the Constitution.