Civics Review: Articles of Confederation

The video reviews the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, explaining its structure as a confederation where state governments held most power. It discusses why the founding fathers opted for this system, mainly to avoid a strong central government like that of King George III. The video highlights the weaknesses of the Articles, such as having only one legislative branch, difficulty in passing laws, inability to collect taxes, and challenges in amending the Articles. It concludes with key questions to test understanding.

What was the primary objective of the video on the Articles of Confederation?

• To define a confederation and its weaknesses

• To discuss the strengths of the Articles

• To analyze the role of the President

• To explore modern government systems

Why did the founding fathers prefer a confederal system?

• To establish a strong military

• To create a monarchy

• To avoid the issues faced under King George III

• To increase central government power

How did the Articles of Confederation perform during the Revolutionary War?

• They failed to unify the states

• They allowed states to act independently yet remain united

• They strengthened the central government

• They led to the defeat of the colonies

What was a major structural weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Allowing states to have no power

• Creating a strong central government

• Establishing a monarchy

• Having only one branch of government

What was the role of the legislative branch under the Articles of Confederation?

• To enforce laws

• To interpret laws

• To regulate trade

• To make and create laws

Why was it difficult to pass new laws under the Articles of Confederation?

• Only the President could approve laws

• All states had to agree

• Nine out of thirteen states had to agree

• Laws required approval from foreign governments

What was a consequence of the Articles' inability to collect taxes?

• Improved international relations

• Increased military funding

• Inability to pay national debts

• Strengthened state economies

What was required to amend the Articles of Confederation?

• Approval from the President

• A simple majority vote

• Unanimous agreement from all states

• Approval from the Supreme Court

How did the Articles of Confederation affect trade between states?

• It prohibited international trade

• It established a national trade policy

• It allowed states to have individual trade deals

• It facilitated free trade

What was a major issue with the Articles' approach to regulating trade?

• States were unable to trade with each other

• Trade was only allowed with Britain

• The central government was powerless to enforce trade rules

• The central government had too much control