Building a New Nation #1

Read the text from the Articles of Confederation and answer the question.

The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense whatever. — Articles of Confederation, Article III

How did the form of government created by the Articles of Confederation help or hinder the development of the United States?

• The confederation form of government was led by a strong executive that levied its taxing power to establish a strong standing army, ensuring the security of the early republic.

• The confederation form of government prevented the national government from taxing citizens and enforcing its laws, leading to economic collapse and civil unrest.

• The federal form of government gave each state an equal vote in a national legislature that required nine votes to pass laws, preventing the legislature from effectively governing.

• The federal form of government was designed to allow the country to expand by adding new states to the Union, establishing the country's method of territorial expansion.

How did Thomas Jefferson's actions as president compare to his stated beliefs about presidential power?

• Despite his stated belief in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, Jefferson went beyond the powers the Constitution explicitly granted the president by approving the purchase of the Louisiana Territory without congressional authorization.

• Due to his steadfast belief in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, Jefferson gained congressional approval for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory as the Constitution did not explicitly grant the president the power to purchase land from a foreign country.

• Despite his stated belief in a loose interpretation of the Constitution, Jefferson gained congressional approval for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory as the Constitution did not explicitly grant the president the power to purchase land from a foreign country.

• Due to his steadfast belief in a loose interpretation of the Constitution, Jefferson went beyond the powers the Constitution explicitly granted the president by approving the purchase of the Louisiana Territory without congressional authorization.

How did the War of 1812 affect the US economy?

• British blockades intended to disrupt the US economy by cutting off access to goods instead contributed to the development of US manufacturing.

• The refusal of most European powers to engage in trade with the United States during the conflict led to a decline in export activity and an economic downturn.

• Businesses enjoyed a considerable increase in profits due to the rapid expansion of trade with American Indians communities cut off from trade with Britain.

• The nation was forced to largely abandon industrial pursuits due to the need to focus on agrarian production to keep up with domestic demand.

Why was the creation of the cabinet system an important precedent of George Washington's presidency?

• Presidents often must challenge the actions of lower levels of government in order to maintain the supremacy of federal law.

• Presidents often require assistance in convincing other members of government to support the president's agenda and policies.

• Presidents often struggle to govern within the confines of constitutional limitations on their power and need to expand their authority.

• Presidents often lack expertise in certain areas of governance and can rely on the knowledge of others when making important decisions.

Read the excerpt from a letter to Henry Knox written by George Washington on February 3, 1787, and answer the question.

The moment is, indeed, important! If government shrinks, or is unable to enforce its laws; fresh maneuvers will be displayed by the insurgents—anarchy and confusion must prevail—and everything will be turned topsy turvey[.] . . . In your letter of the 14th you express a wish to know my intention respecting the Convention, proposed to be held at Philadelphia in May next. In confidence I inform you, that it is not, at this time, my purpose to attend it. . . . The legality of this Convention I do not mean to discuss—nor how problematical the issue of it may be. That powers are wanting, none can deny. . . . But at the same time I give this opinion, I believe that the political machine will yet be much tumbled and tossed, and possibly be wrecked altogether, before such a system as you have defined, will be adopted. The darling Sovereignties of the States individually, the Governors elected and elect. The Legislators—with a long train of et cetera whose political consequence will be lessened, if not annihilated, would give their weight of opposition to such a revolution.

Based the excerpt, what did Shays’ Rebellion lead George Washington to conclude and what was his opinion of the Constitutional Convention’s ability to do what was necessary?

• He believed that the Constitutional Convention had to quickly strengthen the state governments or revolts such as Shays’ Rebellion would lead to mob rule. However, he felt the convention’s lack of authority and the self-interest of the federal government would lead to a failure to strengthen the states.

• He believed that the Constitutional Convention had to quickly strengthen the federal government or revolts such as Shays’ Rebellion would lead to mob rule. However, he felt that the convention’s lack of authority and the selfinterest of the states would lead to a failure to strengthen the federal government.

• He believed that the Constitutional Convention had to quickly strengthen the federal government or revolts such as Shays’ Rebellion would lead to mob rule. He felt that his personal influence would cause people to accept the convention's authority and allow it to empower the federal government.

• He believed that the Constitutional Convention had to quickly strengthen the state governments or revolts such as Shay's Rebellion would continue to occur.