A) a military INCORRECT The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a standing national military; it relied on state militias. The Constitution, however, granted Congress the power to raise and support armies, but this was a new provision, not a characteristic carried over. The military is not a branch of government, and the question asks about a structural characteristic. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) a judiciary INCORRECT The Articles of Confederation did not establish a national judiciary; it left judicial matters to the states. The Constitution created a federal court system, including the Supreme Court, as a new feature to ensure uniform interpretation of laws. Since this was an addition, not a continuation, it does not answer the question. The judiciary is a separate branch, but it was not present under the Articles, so this option is incorrect.
C) a president INCORRECT The Articles of Confederation had no executive branch or president; the presiding officer of Congress was merely a ceremonial role. The Constitution established the presidency as a new and powerful executive office, with veto power and command of the military. This was a significant departure from the Articles, not a retained characteristic. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
D) a legislature CORRECT The Articles of Confederation created a unicameral Congress as the sole national governing body, and the Constitution continued this tradition by establishing a bicameral legislature (the House of Representatives and the Senate). While the Constitution expanded legislative powers, the core idea of a representative legislature as the primary lawmaking authority was retained. This continuity reflects the framers' commitment to republican government, where the people's elected representatives make laws. Thus, the legislature is the correct characteristic that carried over from the Articles to the Constitution.
