Understanding the Articles of Confederation

What event marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War?

• The ratification of the Articles of Confederation

• Battles between British and American soldiers starting April 1775

• The drafting of the Articles of Confederation

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

Who was given the task to draft a plan for the new government?

• George Washington

• John Dickinson

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

How many states needed to approve the Articles of Confederation for it to be ratified?

• 9 states

• 8 states

• 10 states

• All 13 states

Which state was the last to ratify the Articles of Confederation?

• Delaware

• New York

• Virginia

• Maryland

Why did the states want to keep most of the power under the Articles of Confederation?

• To prevent the rise of a tyrant

• Because they did not trust each other

• To make it easier to pass laws

• To strengthen the national government

What power did Congress have under the Articles of Confederation?

• To manage relations with other countries

• To collect taxes

• To appoint a president

• To enforce laws

What was a major limitation of the Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• It could not declare war

• It was not allowed to borrow money

• It had no power to enforce laws or collect taxes

• It could not manage relations with other countries

What event demonstrated the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The drafting of the United States Constitution

• The Battle of Yorktown

• Shays' Rebellion

What was the outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

• It resulted in a victory for the farmers

• It highlighted the weaknesses of the national government

• It showed the strength of the national government

• It led to the immediate drafting of the United States Constitution

What was the main reason for the call to revise the Articles of Confederation?

• To abolish the Congress

• To declare independence from Great Britain

• To address the financial debt of the nation

• To strengthen the national government