Articles of Confederation

What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• the federal government was too weak

• It had no legislative branch

• The judicial was too powerful

• The executive was too powerful

Who had more power under the Articles of Confederation?

• Federal Government
• State Governments
• Individual people
• States with larger populations

Use the table to answer the question.

Weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation

Weakness

No power to enforce laws

No executive branch

No judicial branch

How did these weaknesses impact the writing of the Constitution?

• The Founding Fathers gave Congress the power to legislate.

• The Founding Fathers created a government with three branches.

• The Founding Fathers gave the states the power to interpret national laws?

• The Founding Fathers created the office of president to settle disputes.

How did the U.S. Constitution solve a problem created by the Articles of Confederation?

• It avoided the issue of states’ rights.

• It allowed the states to elect representatives.

• It prevented the amendment of federal laws.

• It enabled the federal government to collect taxes.

Because this branch was missing under the Articles of Confederation the government had no power to enforce its laws?

• Judicial

• Legislative

• Executive

• Congress

• Federal System of Government

• Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• Weaknesses of the Declaration of Independence

• Weaknesses of the U.S. Constitution

Which strong feature of the Articles of Confederation created a method for territories to become states?

• The ability to sign peace treaties
• Shays' Rebellion
• Northwest Ordinance
• 60,000 Ordinance

What did Shays' Rebellion help Americans realize they needed?

• A strong national government
• A stronger militia
• A common currency
• The ability to sign peace treaties

Which of the following was NOT a power of Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• Create a plan for the Northwest Territory
• Negotiate treaties
• Levy taxes
• Declare war and peace

Ultimately, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation lead to the adoption of:

• The Treaty of Paris
• The Affordable Care Act
• The U.S. Constitution
• The Declaration of Independence