Understanding the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To create a strong central government

• To establish a monarchy

• To form a loose union of independent states

• To replace the British king with a president

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Why did the Articles of Confederation not include a president?

• The Founding Fathers wanted a monarchy

• The states could not agree on a candidate

• There was no need for a leader

• The colonists feared a strong central authority

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What was one power that Congress had under the Articles of Confederation?

• Enforce laws

• Make treaties

• Levy taxes

• Regulate trade

What financial issue did the U.S. face under the Articles of Confederation?

• Inability to repay war debts

• Excessive taxation

• Surplus of funds

• Overfunded military

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• Shea's Rebellion

• The Louisiana Purchase

Why was it difficult to amend the Articles of Confederation?

• Opposition from foreign nations

• No formal process for amendments

• Need for unanimous consent

• Lack of interest from the states

What was the outcome of the realization that the Articles were ineffective?

• The Articles were strengthened

• A new Constitution was drafted

• The U.S. returned to British rule

• The states became independent nations

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What does the current U.S. Constitution replace?

• The British monarchy

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Magna Carta

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What was a key reason for drafting a new Constitution?

• To eliminate taxes

• To establish a more effective federal government

• To create a monarchy

• To increase state power

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

The Articles of Confederation had be fixed because it was 

• too weak
• too strong

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5