Articles of Confederation vs Constitution

What was the main difference in the powers of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution?

• Expanded powers under the Constitution

• Decreased powers under the Constitution.

• Equal powers under the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

• Limited powers under the Articles of Confederation.

Answer explanation

The main difference in the powers of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution was their extent. Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had limited powers. However, with the Constitution, the federal government's powers were expanded significantly, allowing it to regulate commerce, levy taxes, and maintain an army and navy, among other things.

Which document gave more power to the federal government: the Articles of Confederation or the Constitution?

• Articles of Confederation

• Constitution

• Declaration of Independence

• Bill of Rights

Answer explanation

The Constitution gave more power to the federal government than the Articles of Confederation. The latter was the first form of government in the US but was replaced by the Constitution due to its inefficiencies, such as the lack of a strong central authority. The Constitution provided for a stronger federal government with powers such as taxation, military command, and the ability to enforce laws.

Under the Articles of Confederation, could the federal government regulate trade between states?

• No

• Only in certain circumstances.

• It is unclear.

• Yes.

Answer explanation

Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government did not have the power to regulate trade between states. This power was reserved to the individual states themselves. It was one of the weaknesses that led to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which gave the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Did the Constitution give the federal government the power to tax?

• The Constitution is silent on the power to tax.

• Only certain types of taxes.

• Yes

• No.

Answer explanation

The Constitution indeed gave the federal government the power to tax. This was a significant change from the government under the Articles of Confederation, which lacked this crucial authority. The answer is 'Yes'.

Which document allowed the federal government to raise an army?

• Bill of Rights

• Constitution of the United States

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The Constitution of the United States allowed the federal government to raise an army. This was essential in order to provide for the defense and welfare of the new nation. The other documents, while important in their own right, did not provide this specific power to the federal government.

How were states represented in Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• Delegations of individuals chosen by the state legislatures

• Selection by the Supreme Court

• Appointment by the President

• Direct election by the people

Answer explanation

Under the Articles of Confederation, states were represented in Congress by delegations of individuals chosen by the state legislatures. This option is correct because it accurately reflects how representation was managed during that historical period. The other options, such as selection by the Supreme Court, appointment by the President or direct election by the people, do not correctly represent the structure of representation under the Articles of Confederation.

How were states represented in Congress under the Constitution?

• Based on economic power and proportional representation in the House.

• Based on population and proportional representation in the Senate.

• Based on population and equal representation in the Senate

• Based on geographic size and equal representation in the House.

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution established a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives is based on population, hence larger states have more representatives. The Senate, on the other hand, features equal representation, with each state having two senators regardless of its population. Therefore, the correct answer is states are represented based on population and equal representation in the Senate.

Which document had a unicameral legislature?

• Constitution of the United States

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

• Magna Carta

Answer explanation

The question asks about a document with a unicameral legislature. Among the given options, it's the 'Articles of Confederation' that had a unicameral legislature, where each state had one vote. The other documents did not establish such a structure. Hence, 'Articles of Confederation' is the correct choice.

Which document had a bicameral legislature?

• United States Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Magna Carta

• Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

The United States Constitution is the document that established a bicameral legislature, known as Congress, which is divided into two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The other options did not establish a bicameral legislature.

Did the Articles of Confederation give more power to the states or the federal government?

• states

• neither states nor federal government

• both states and federal government

• federal government

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation, prior to the Constitution, gave more power to individual states. This was in part due to the fear of a strong central government similar to the monarchy they had just escaped from. Thus, under the Articles, states had more autonomy and power in making decisions compared to the federal government.