Understanding the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

The video discusses the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Key issues included lack of taxation power, trade regulation, federal authority, judiciary, and military. The Constitution addressed these by empowering Congress to tax, regulate trade, establish federal supremacy, create a judiciary, and form a national military. The amendment process was also made more feasible, allowing for a more adaptable government.

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed for a strong central government.

• It provided for a national military.

• It lacked the power to tax.

• It established a federal judiciary.

How did the Constitution address the issue of trade?

• By establishing a trade court.

• By banning international trade.

• By allowing states to regulate their own trade.

• By giving Congress the power to regulate trade.

What did the Constitution establish to handle disputes among states?

• The Supreme Court

• A federal trade commission

• A council of governors

• A national military

Which document was considered the supreme law of the land?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Bill of Rights

• The Constitution

What was a key feature of the Constitution regarding state laws?

• Federal laws required state approval.

• States could override federal laws.

• Federal laws were supreme over state laws.

• States had complete autonomy.

Who leads the national military according to the Constitution?

• The Speaker of the House

• The Secretary of Defense

• The President

• The Chief Justice

What was the role of the executive branch under the Constitution?

• To regulate trade

• To oversee the judiciary

• To command the national military

• To establish state laws

Why was it difficult to amend the Articles of Confederation?

• It required a national referendum.

• It required approval from the President.

• It required unanimous agreement among all states.

• It required a simple majority.

What did the Constitution require for an amendment to be proposed?

• Unanimous agreement

• 2/3 approval

• 3/4 approval

• Majority vote

What was the main reason for adopting the Constitution?

• To maintain the status quo

• To create a weaker central government

• To form a more adaptable and responsive government

• To eliminate state governments