EOC Spot Check - Article of Confederation

The land included in the Northwest Territories was ceded to the United States following:

• the defeat of Spanish colonies in the region.

• Great Britain's defeat in the American Revolution.

• the Indian removal that occurred after the French and Indian War.

• the withdrawal of the French colonists following the French Revolution.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Great Britain's defeat in the American Revolution.

Explanation: The Northwest Territories, comprising vast areas northwest of the Ohio River, including present-day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, were ceded to the United States following Great Britain's defeat in the American Revolution. The Treaty of Paris of 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War, saw Great Britain relinquishing its claims to the region, thereby allowing the United States to assert control over these territories. This acquisition marked a significant expansion of American territory and set the stage for westward expansion and settlement in the newly acquired lands.

One of the most important legacies of the Northwest Ordinance was that it prevented the expansion of:

• slavery

• Indian warfare

• industrialization

• British colonization

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: slavery

Explanation: One of the significant provisions of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was the prohibition of slavery north of the Ohio River in the newly established territories. This ordinance played a crucial role in shaping the development and character of the region by establishing a framework for the organization of new states and explicitly prohibiting the expansion of slavery into these territories. As a result, the Northwest Territory became a vital area for the growth of free labor and contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

In Article VIII, which of these is given the power to tax?

• governors of each state

• state legislative branch

• Congress of the United States

• the President of the United States

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: state legislative branches

Explanation: In Article VIII of the Articles of Confederation, the power to lay and levy taxes is granted to the state legislative branches. This means that each state's legislature is authorized to determine and impose taxes as needed, as directed by the legislatures of the several states.

Based on these two parts of the Articles of Confederation, in the first years of the United States there was a belief

• in the Federal government.

• in greater state control of governance.

• that a strong central ruler was needed.

• that the American Revolution had failed.

Answer explanation

Simplified question: Based on these two parts of the Articles of Confederation, what belief was prevalent in the first years of the United States?

Correct Answer: in greater state control of governance.

Explanation: The Articles of Confederation, as seen in the excerpts provided, granted significant power to the states rather than a strong central government. The emphasis on states' authority to levy taxes (Article VIII) and resolve disputes over land ownership (Article IX) indicates a belief in greater state control of governance during the early years of the United States. This reflected the desire to avoid a strong central authority like the one they had fought against during the Revolutionary War.

Why was it hard to get laws passed under the Articles of Confederation?

• To pass a law, all states needed to agree.

• To pass a law, 9 of 13 states needed to agree.

• The President could veto a law before it was passed.

• The Supreme Court could rule any law unconstitutional.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: 9 out of 13 (Super Majority)

*All states (unanimous) were needed for an amendment.

Which is the BEST description of the impact of Shays' Rebellion on American politics?

• Shays' Rebellion was a major factor in the establishment of the Anti-Federalist party.

• Shays' Rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.

• Shays' Rebellion was a major factor in President Washington's decision to only serve two terms in office.

• Shays' Rebellion led to widespread reform of voting requirements to include all white males who owned property.

Answer explanation

Simplified Question: What accurately describes Shays' Rebellion of 1786-87?

Correct Answer: Farmers, many of whom were Revolutionary War veterans, rebelled against the Massachusetts government because of heavy debts and high taxes.

Explanation: Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising primarily consisting of farmers in western Massachusetts who were burdened by debt and high taxes after the Revolutionary War. Many of these farmers were war veterans who found themselves in economic hardship due to post-war economic conditions. Their grievances led them to rebel against the Massachusetts government, highlighting the social and economic tensions of the time.

Test-Taking Tip: When identifying historical events, focus on the key participants, motivations, and circumstances surrounding the event. Shays' Rebellion involved farmers, particularly war veterans, protesting economic hardships, rather than other groups or issues like immigration policies or slavery.