Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, America's first founding document, lacked the power to tax, enforce laws, or maintain a standing army, leaving the national government weak. Post-Revolution, economic challenges arose, with inflation and debt issues. Shay's Rebellion highlighted these weaknesses, as farmers, led by Daniel Shay, protested foreclosures. The rebellion underscored the need for a stronger central government, leading to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

What was a major limitation of the Articles of Confederation?

• It could not enforce laws or maintain a standing army.

• It allowed states to print their own money.

• It gave too much power to the national government.

• It required unanimous consent for amendments.

Why did many men have to take out loans during the Revolutionary War?

• To buy weapons for the war.

• To keep their farms operational in their absence.

• To pay off their debts to the British.

• To invest in new businesses.

What was one of the financial challenges faced by the new nation after the war?

• Lack of demand for manufactured goods.

• Surplus of agricultural products.

• Debts owed to Spain and France.

• Excessive wealth from trade with Europe.

What was one consequence of the states refusing to provide more money to the national government?

• The government started taxing imports heavily.

• The government began printing more money, leading to inflation.

• The government sold land to foreign countries.

• The government increased tariffs on British goods.

How did the financial crisis affect the value of money during this period?

• It had no effect on the value of money.

• It increased the value of money.

• It stabilized the value of money.

• It decreased the value of money, making it worthless.

What was the primary reason farmers like Daniel Shay took up arms?

• To support the printing of more money.

• To protest against British trade restrictions.

• To prevent the foreclosure of their homes.

• To demand higher wages for their military service.

What role did the state militia play during Shay's Rebellion?

• They supported the national government in suppressing the rebellion.

• They were the ones rebelling against the state government.

• They remained neutral during the conflict.

• They were disbanded by the national government.

What did Shay's Rebellion demonstrate about the Articles of Confederation?

• They were successful in managing the economy.

• They were too powerful and needed to be limited.

• They needed to be strengthened to support a central government.

• They were effective in maintaining law and order.

What was a direct outcome of the weaknesses exposed by Shay's Rebellion?

• The national government was dissolved.

• A convention was called to draft the US Constitution.

• The states gained more power over the national government.

• The Articles of Confederation were amended.

What was Daniel Shay's ultimate fate after the rebellion?

• He was executed for treason.

• He received a pension but died in poverty.

• He became a wealthy landowner.

• He was elected to the national government.