While redlining has been illegal since 1968, this discriminatory policy rooted in the 1930s housing crisis continues to leave reverberating effects on Americans today. Prevalent in cities, redlined districts are disadvantaged: a lack of equitable educational opportunities for children, gentrification that displaces low-income families, and higher risks of being susceptible to illness. Though federal efforts, such as the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, aim to combat inequity, their impact has been minimal. The inequity in American urban development perpetuates a cycle of poverty for individuals born in redlined neighborhoods, stemming from educational inequality that strips any hope of upward social mobility.

This study examines the democratic values inherent in the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, analyzing their respective impacts on the development of American democracy. By focusing on key democratic theories, particularly the works of John Locke and James Madison, the analysis highlights the fundamental differences in how each document approached governance and individual liberties. The study explores the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, including the lack of a strong central government, an executive branch, and a national judiciary, which led to significant inefficiencies and instability. In contrast, the Constitution's implementation of federalism, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty created a more robust and adaptable framework for governance. Historical case studies such as Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion illustrate the practical implications of each document’s approach to federal power and stability. The essay also considers hypothetical scenarios where the Articles of Confederation might have been amended instead of replaced, analyzing the potential consequences for the United States. Ultimately, the essay argues that the Constitution is inherently more democratic than the Articles of Confederation and provides a superior foundation for a stable and effective government. Additionally, it suggests modern amendments to further enhance democratic principles in the Constitution, ensuring its relevance and efficacy in addressing contemporary challenges.