Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

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

What important piece of the puzzle was missing after the Declaration of Independence was signed?

• A strong military

• A plan for government

• International recognition

• Economic stability

Who led the committee responsible for drafting the plan for government after the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Dickinson

• George Washington

When did the Continental Congress adopt the Articles of Confederation?

• July 4, 1776

• November 15, 1777

• March 1, 1781

• January 25, 1787

How long did it take for all 13 states to ratify the Articles of Confederation after it was proposed?

• Less than a year

• Exactly one year

• Over three years

• Five years

Why were the 13 states nervous about giving power to a national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• They feared foreign invasion.

• They wanted to maintain individual state sovereignty.

• They had just broken away from a tyrannical king.

• They believed a strong central government would lead to economic collapse.

Which of the following was a power granted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

• Enforce laws

• Collect taxes

• Declare war

• Regulate interstate trade

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation regarding the passage and enforcement of laws?

• Laws only required a simple majority vote.

• Congress had the power to enforce laws but lacked resources.

• New laws required agreement by 9 of 13 states, and Congress could not enforce them.

• States were required to enforce all national laws without question.

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

• It could only collect taxes from wealthy citizens.

• It had no power to collect taxes and relied on states, which were also in debt.

• States refused to pay any taxes to the national government.

• The national government printed too much money, causing inflation.

What was the primary impact of Shays' Rebellion on the United States?

• It led to a stronger state government in Massachusetts.

• It demonstrated the need for a stronger national government.

• It resulted in the immediate abolition of all taxes on farmers.

• It caused a war between Massachusetts and the national government.