Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the inability to levy taxes and mobilize a military. Economic hardships led Daniel Shays and others to rebel against the Massachusetts government. The rebellion underscored the need for a stronger central government, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

What was the primary document governing the United States before the Constitution?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Magna Carta

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It did not allow the central government to levy taxes

• It gave too much power to the central government

• It allowed states to print their own money

• It required unanimous consent for amendments

Why were Revolutionary War veterans like Daniel Shays upset with the government?

• They were taxed heavily on their crops

• They were not given land grants

• They were forced to join the militia

• They were not paid for their service

What economic practice made it difficult for farmers to pay taxes?

• Barter system

• Crop rotation

• Subsistence farming

• Sharecropping

How did the government finance its expenses under the Articles of Confederation?

• By borrowing from France

• By imposing tariffs on British goods

• By printing money without financial backing

• By selling western lands

What was the outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

• The rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger central government

• The Articles of Confederation were immediately abolished

• The central government intervened with military force

• The rebellion was successful and taxes were lowered

Why couldn't the central government send military forces to suppress Shays' Rebellion?

• The military was engaged in another conflict

• The Articles of Confederation prohibited it

• There was no funding for military action

• The state militia was sufficient

What did Shays' Rebellion demonstrate about the Articles of Confederation?

• They were inadequate for a functioning government

• They needed to be strengthened to give more power to the states

• They were too focused on military power

• They were effective in maintaining order

What was one of the powers that the new Constitution granted to the central government?

• The power to regulate interstate commerce

• The power to appoint state governors

• The power to declare war

• The power to print state currencies

Which state was mentioned as needing to be kept on a 'short leash'?

• South Carolina

• New York

• Massachusetts

• Virginia