Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States of America

• Ratified by the 13 colonies in 1781

The Articles of Confederation gave states full and complete power to rule themselves causing a weak central government.

• Americans feared that if they gave too much power to the federal government they would be left with similar issues and concerns they had while under King George III rule.

• Americans thought that too much government power would infringe on their rights, and liberties they fought to get.

Multiple Choice

The Articles of Confederation formed a _______ Government?

• Strong

• Weak

• Powerful

Multiple Choice

Americans feared that if they gave the government too much _____ they would be left with similar issues they had while under King George III rule

• Power

• Money

• Freedom

Multiple Choice

Under the Articles of Confederation who had the most power?

• People

• National Government

• King

• States

Weaknesses under the Article of Confederation

• Congress could not collect taxes to pay back dept

• No common currency

• Weak national government

• No national court system

• Unable to enforce laws

• 9 out of 13 states had to vote in order to approve a law. Each state was only allowed one vote

• All states (13) had to vote in order to amend the Articles of Confederation.

Multiple Choice

Congress could collect tax?

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Congress could enforce laws and force the states to obey those laws.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

There was no common currency/money for all 13 states.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

How many votes did congress need to approve a new law?

• 13

• 5

• 9

• 7

Multiple Choice

How many votes did each state get to contribute?

• 1

• 2

• 3

Multiple Choice

How many votes did congress need in order to make amendments to the Articles of Confederation?

• 9

• 7

• 50

• 13

Strengths under the Articles of Confederation

• Establish and maintain military

• Make Treaties

• Settle disputes among states

Multiple Choice

Congress was able to establish a national army to defeat the British in the American Revolution.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Congress granted all power to the national government and did not give states and free citizens rights.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Congress was able to negotiate the end of the American Revolution by signing the Treaty of Paris.

• True

• False