USI Unit 7 Review - U.S. Constitution

The first constitution of the United States, the Articles of Confederation, was adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. What was the only branch of government created by the Articles of Confederation?

• Amendment

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

Which feature of the Articles of Confederation best reflects the colonists’ fear of a strong central government?

• The creation of a national court system

• The limitation of Congress’s power to tax

• The ability of Congress to enforce laws

• The power of Congress to regulate trade

What are three weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• Gave Congress no power to tax or regulate commerce among the states

• Provided for no common currency

• Gave each state one vote regardless of size

• Created a strong central government with three branches

• Responsible for the Northwest Ordinance

One major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that the national government could not tax the states. What was a direct result of this weakness?

• The federal government easily paid off war debts

• States refused to print their own money

• Congress struggled to fund the army and repay loans

• Foreign nations trusted the United States more

Despite its weaknesses, the Articles of Confederation had some successes. Which accomplishment is an example of a positive outcome of the Articles?

• Creating a permanent national army

• Passing the Northwest Ordinance to organize new territories

• Enforcing laws equally across all states

• Establishing a strong executive branch

What title should be given to these outcomes of the Articles of Confederation?

• The Northwest Ordinance

• Ratification Process

• The Monroe Doctrine

• Westward Expansion

How did the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation most directly influence the future of the United States government?

• They led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution

• They strengthened the power of state governments permanently

• They convinced Americans to return to British rule

• They eliminated the need for a national government

At the Constitutional Convention, state delegates decided NOT to—

• change the U.S. Constitution

• revise the Articles of Confederation

• break away from Great Britain

• allow any westward expansion

What was the main reason the delegates decided to draft a new constitution?

• The Articles of Confederation was too weak to sustain the new nation

• The states demanded a national military for defense against European nations

• The Bill of Rights did not clearly outline the civil liberties of individuals

• The citizens of each state did not agree with the Northwest Ordinance

Who was elected president of the Constitutional Convention?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Samuel Adams

• Thomas Jefferson