The Articles of Confederation: America's First Constitution

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To unite the thirteen colonies during the Revolutionary War

• To establish a strong central government

• To create a federal system with checks and balances

• To draft the Treaty of Paris

Which of the following was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

(a)  

• Lack of power to tax or regulate commerce
• Excessive power given to the central government

• Presence of a strong executive branch

• Ability to easily amend the Articles

Who drafted the version of the Articles of Confederation that formed the basis for the final document?

• John Dickinson

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

What event highlighted the need for a stronger central government, leading to the Philadelphia Convention in 1787?

(a)  

• Annapolis Convention
• Boston Tea Party

• Signing of the Treaty of Paris

• Declaration of Independence

What was one of the achievements of the Articles of Confederation despite its limitations?

• Negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783

• Establishing a strong federal government

• Creating a system of checks and balances

• Banning slavery in all states