7.1 Articles of Confederation

What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To explain how states would work together as one country

• To establish a monarchy

• To create a national currency

• To declare war on Britain

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation served to outline how the states would cooperate and function as a unified entity, establishing a framework for governance rather than creating a monarchy, currency, or declaring war.

Who was King George III?

• The king of Britain during America's independence

• The first president of the United States

• A famous American general

• A French diplomat

Answer explanation

King George III was the king of Britain during the American Revolutionary War, which led to America's independence. He is often associated with the colonial grievances that sparked the revolution.

What was the main idea behind creating state governments?

• Each state making its own rules

• Following British laws

• Creating a single national government

• Ignoring governance

Answer explanation

The main idea behind creating state governments was to allow each state to make its own rules, reflecting local needs and preferences, rather than imposing a uniform set of laws from a central authority.

What did the states create to share power?

• A bicameral legislature

• A monarchy

• A single ruler

• A national army

Answer explanation

The states created a bicameral legislature to share power, allowing for representation in two separate chambers. This structure helps balance interests and prevents any single entity from gaining too much control.

What was the Northwest Territory?

• A new country

• America's first big real estate deal

• A military base

• A trade agreement

Answer explanation

The Northwest Territory was significant as it represented America's first major land acquisition, following the Revolutionary War, making it a pivotal real estate deal for the young nation.

What was the purpose of the grid created by the Ordinance of 1785?

• To organize the land for sale

• To build a new city

• To create a military base

• To establish a trade route

Answer explanation

The Ordinance of 1785 aimed to systematically organize land in the Northwest Territory for sale to settlers, facilitating orderly development and revenue generation for the government.

What was a major success under the Articles?

• Organizing the Northwest Territory

• Winning a war

• Creating a new currency

• Building a new capital

Answer explanation

A major success under the Articles of Confederation was organizing the Northwest Territory, which established a framework for settling and governing new lands, promoting orderly expansion and development.

What was one thing the national government could do under the Articles?

• Create an army

• Force states to follow laws

• Control trade between states

• Make states contribute soldiers

Answer explanation

Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had the authority to create an army, which was essential for defense. However, it could not force states to follow laws or control trade effectively.

What river did Spain control that caused problems for Americans?

• Mississippi River

• Amazon River

• Nile River

• Hudson River

Answer explanation

Spain controlled the Mississippi River, which was crucial for trade and transportation. This control created tensions for Americans, as they relied on the river for access to the Gulf of Mexico and trade routes.

Why was Spain's control of the Mississippi River a problem?

• It blocked American trade routes

• It caused flooding

• It was too far from American settlements

• It was polluted

Answer explanation

Spain's control of the Mississippi River blocked American trade routes, limiting access to vital shipping lanes and hindering economic growth for the young nation.