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

Before the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation served as the first governing system, granting states autonomy but lacking a strong central government. This led to issues like disagreements over military funding and inability to manage uprisings. Recognizing these weaknesses, the Founding Fathers created the Constitution, establishing a federal system that balanced power between national and state governments. This shift highlighted the Articles' failures and underscored the Constitution's enduring success in shaping U.S. governance.

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To establish a monarchy in the United States

• To grant autonomy to states while uniting them as a republic

• To replace the British Parliament

• To create a strong central government

Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Articles of Confederation?

• No president

• Presence of a federal judicial system

• Only Congress existed

• No separation of powers

Under the Articles of Confederation, who was responsible for enforcing taxation?

• Each individual state

• The Supreme Court

• The president

• The federal government

What issue arose during the American Revolution under the Articles of Confederation?

• Excessive presidential power

• Lack of a national currency

• Overpowering central government

• Disagreements over state responsibilities for army duties

Why did the founding fathers decide to create a new federal system?

• To divide powers between national and state governments

• To eliminate state governments

• To increase state power

• To establish a monarchy

What document replaced the Articles of Confederation?

• The Magna Carta

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

How is the Constitution described in terms of its legal standing?

• A historical document with no current relevance

• A suggestion for governance

• A temporary law

• The supreme law of the land

What is one reason the Articles of Confederation are considered a failure today?

• They provided too much power to the president

• They were weak and ineffective

• They were too effective in uniting the states

• They created a strong central government

What aspect of the Constitution is highlighted as a success compared to the Articles?

• Its ability to establish powers, laws, and rights

• Its focus on state independence

• Its lack of a federal judicial system

• Its emphasis on taxation

Why is it important to understand the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• To appreciate the effectiveness of the Constitution

• To ignore the lessons of history

• To criticize the founding fathers

• To advocate for a return to the Articles