Articles of Confederation and Constitution

The video discusses the Articles of Confederation, highlighting their lack of a strong central government and the challenges this posed, such as revenue generation and unified action. It contrasts the Articles with the U.S. Constitution and explores the implications of Shays' Rebellion, which exposed the Articles' weaknesses. This led to the Constitutional Convention, where a stronger federal government was established, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation when they were first drafted?

• To create a mutual defense union among states

• To establish a strong central government

• To abolish state sovereignty

• To implement a federalist system

How did the Articles of Confederation address state sovereignty?

• States had no sovereignty under the Articles

• States shared sovereignty equally with the central government

• States retained their sovereignty and independence

• States gave up all sovereignty to the central government

What was a unique provision in the Articles of Confederation regarding Canada?

• Canada was prohibited from joining the confederation

• Canada could join the confederation with the agreement of nine states

• Canada was automatically included in the confederation

• Canada was required to join the confederation

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• The ability to levy taxes on citizens

• The inclusion of a federalist system

• The lack of a unified military force

• The establishment of a strong central government

What economic issue did the United States face after the Revolutionary War?

• Demand for hard currency by lenders

• Lack of debt to foreign countries

• Surplus of hard currency

• Excessive taxation by the central government

Who was Daniel Shays and what role did he play in the post-war period?

• A veteran leading a rebellion against economic injustices

• A British loyalist opposing the new government

• A wealthy merchant supporting the Articles

• A founding father drafting the Constitution

What was the significance of Shays' Rebellion?

• It demonstrated the strength of the Articles of Confederation

• It resulted in the dissolution of the United States

• It led to the immediate ratification of the Constitution

• It highlighted the need for a stronger central government

What was the outcome of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

• The Articles of Confederation were abolished without replacement

• The Articles of Confederation were strengthened

• A new Constitution was drafted

• The United States was divided into two nations

Which document was used to promote the ratification of the new Constitution?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Federalist Papers

When did the new Constitution become effective?

• December 15, 1791

• January 1, 1781

• March 4, 1789

• July 4, 1776