Understanding the Formation of the United States Government

The video explains the period between America's independence in 1776 and the adoption of the Constitution in 1789. Initially, the Articles of Confederation served as the national framework, but they were weak and ineffective, leading to issues like Shay's Rebellion. This highlighted the need for a stronger central government, resulting in the drafting of the Constitution in 1787, which established a balance of power between state and federal authorities.

What year did the United States declare its independence?

• 1775

• 1787

• 1789

• 1776

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To replace the Constitution

• To enforce federal laws

• To establish a firm league of friendship among states

• To create a strong national government

Which of the following was NOT a power of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Levying taxes

• Settling disputes among states

• Printing money

• Making wars and treaties

What economic issue did the states face under the Articles of Confederation?

• Pooling war debts

• Strong national trade policies

• Unified currency

• Taxing each other's goods

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Shays' Rebellion

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Battle of Yorktown

• The Boston Tea Party

In what year did state representatives meet to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation?

• 1776

• 1785

• 1787

• 1789

What system was proposed to replace the Articles of Confederation?

• Confederacy

• Oligarchy

• Federalism

• Monarchy

What was a key feature of the new government established by the Constitution?

• No executive branch

• Shared power between states and national government

• No power to collect taxes

• Weak national government

Which issue related to state versus federal power remains a topic of debate?

• The power to levy taxes

• The balance of power between state and federal governments

• The power to print money

• The power to declare war

What document replaced the Articles of Confederation?

• The Magna Carta

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence