Articles of Confederation and Independence

What was the first constitution of the United States?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The United States Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

When did the United States declare its independence?

• April 19, 1775

• July 4, 1776

• November 15, 1777

• March 1, 1781

Who was given the job of drafting the first plan for government for the United States?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Dickinson

• George Washington

How long did it take the Continental Congress to approve the Articles of Confederation after it was drafted?

• A few weeks

• Six months

• Over a year

• Three years

How many states needed to approve the Articles of Confederation for it to be ratified?

• 7 states

• 9 states

• 10 states

• All 13 states

What was a major weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• It had too much power over the states.

• It could easily collect taxes from citizens.

• It could not enforce laws or collect taxes.

• It had a strong military to control rebellions.

What was a main reason farmers rebelled in Massachusetts during Shays' Rebellion?

• They wanted to declare independence from Great Britain.

• They were being arrested or losing their farms for not paying debts and taxes.

• They wanted to elect a new king.

• They disagreed with the Declaration of Independence.

What was the main outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

• It led to the United States rejoining Great Britain.

• It showed the strengths of the Articles of Confederation.

• It showed the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.

• It resulted in a new king being crowned in the United States.