APUSH 3.7 ~ The Articles of Confederation (Heimler's History)

What was the first governing document of the United States?

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• U.S. Constitution

• Northwest Ordinance

Answer explanation

The first governing document of the United States was the 'Articles of Confederation'. It served as the country's constitution until the current U.S. Constitution was ratified. The Declaration of Independence, while significant, was not a governing document. The Northwest Ordinance was a law passed after the Articles of Confederation.

When were the Articles of Confederation ratified?

• 1776

• 1781

• 1787

• 1791

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781. This was after the American Revolution and served as the first constitution of the United States. It was later replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 1781, not 1776, 1787, or 1791.

Which branch of government had the most power under the Articles of Confederation?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

• None, all branches were equal

Answer explanation

Under the Articles of Confederation, the legislative branch held the most power. This was because the Articles created a weak central government with a unicameral legislature, where each state had one vote. There was no executive or judicial branch at the national level, making the legislative branch the most powerful by default.

How many votes did each state have in the legislature under the Articles of Confederation?

• Proportional to population

• One vote per state

• Two votes per state

• No voting rights for states

Answer explanation

Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had one vote in the legislature. This system was designed to maintain equality among the states, regardless of their population size. The other options, such as proportional representation or two votes per state, were not used in the Articles of Confederation.

What was the purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

• To establish public education

• To protect private property

• To abolish slavery

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 had multiple purposes, including establishing public education, protecting private property, and abolishing slavery in the Northwest Territory. This comprehensive legislation aimed to create a framework for the orderly expansion and governance of the United States, addressing various social, economic, and political issues. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

What event revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• Declaration of Independence

• Shay's Rebellion

• Northwest Ordinance

• Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Answer explanation

Shay's Rebellion revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The event exposed the inability of the central government to maintain order and protect property rights, as it lacked the power to tax and raise a standing army. This led to calls for a stronger central government, ultimately resulting in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

What were the economic difficulties faced by farmers after the Revolutionary War?

• Debt, inflation, and new taxes

• Lack of land for farming

• Lack of access to markets

• High crop prices

Answer explanation

After the Revolutionary War, farmers faced economic difficulties such as debt, inflation, and new taxes. Many farmers had borrowed money to finance their farms and were struggling to repay their debts. Inflation made it difficult for them to make a profit, and new taxes imposed by the government further burdened them financially.

Who led the militia revolt during Shay's Rebellion?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Daniel Shays

• John Adams

Answer explanation

Shays' Rebellion was a militia revolt led by Daniel Shays, a former American Revolutionary War soldier. The rebellion took place in Massachusetts between 1786 and 1787, as a response to economic hardships and high taxes faced by farmers. Daniel Shays led the rebellion, which ultimately led to the strengthening of the U.S. federal government and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

What was the main reason for calling for a new Constitution?

• To establish a monarchy

• To address flaws in the Articles of Confederation

• To abolish slavery

• To expand westward

Answer explanation

The main reason for calling for a new Constitution was to address flaws in the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, had several weaknesses, such as the lack of a strong central government. This led to the need for a new Constitution that could establish a more robust federal system.

Why did settlers continue to have conflicts with Native Americans?

• continued westward migration

• trying to make them serve in the Army

• abolishing slavery

• due to the Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

Settlers continued to have conflicts with Native Americans primarily due to their continued westward migration. As settlers expanded westward, they encroached upon Native American lands, leading to disputes over territory and resources. This expansion and the resulting conflicts were a significant factor in the ongoing tensions between settlers and Native Americans.