Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation

Strengths and Weaknesses

Open Ended

With your table partner, write down all of the things you remember about the Articles of Confederation.

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