Articles of Confederation Quiz

The video discusses the Articles of Confederation, the first attempt at a unified federal government in the United States. Approved in 1777, the Articles emphasized state rights over central authority, leading to challenges in military funding, taxation, and foreign relations. The weaknesses of the Articles highlighted the need for a balanced federal government, ultimately influencing the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

When were the Articles of Confederation approved by the Second Continental Congress?

• July 4, 1776

• November 15, 1777

• September 17, 1787

• March 1, 1781

What was the main focus of the Articles of Confederation?

• Strengthening the central government

• Emphasizing the rights of individual states

• Creating a strong executive branch

• Establishing a national bank

Who had the discretion to provide troops and funds under the Articles of Confederation?

• The individual states

• The President

• The central government

• The Supreme Court

What authority was expressly denied to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• Issuing currency

• Regulating commerce

• Taxation

• Declaring war

Why was the central government constantly short of cash under the Articles of Confederation?

• Foreign debts

• Inability to tax

• Lack of a national bank

• Excessive military spending

Why did the executive branch have virtually no authority under the Articles of Confederation?

• Fear of a strong central authority

• Lack of qualified leaders

• Opposition from foreign nations

• Economic constraints

What was required to approve treaties under the Articles of Confederation?

• Majority vote in Congress

• Consent from three quarters of the states

• Approval by the President

• Unanimous decision by the Supreme Court

What was the main lesson learned from the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• The need for a strong central authority

• The importance of state rights

• The necessity of a national bank

• The value of a strong military

What did the founders recognize as essential for the survival of the nation's democracy?

• A strong military presence

• A powerful executive branch

• A unified national identity

• A balance between state and central authority

What document replaced the Articles of Confederation?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Bill of Rights

• The U.S. Constitution