Articles of Confederation and Early Amendments

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

• To create a firm league of friendship among states

• To establish a strong central government

• To allow Congress to levy taxes directly

• To abolish state sovereignty

What was the first proposed amendment to the Articles of Confederation?

• A federal army creation

• A national bank establishment

• A 5% duty on foreign imports

• A unified currency system

What power did James Madison's proposed amendment seek to give Congress?

• The power to declare war

• The power to levy taxes

• The power to regulate interstate commerce

• The power to use an embargo against non-compliant states

Which state objected to the proposed amendment, calling it a 'graven injustice'?

• New York

• Virginia

• Massachusetts

• Rhode Island

How many amendments to the Articles were proposed between 1781 and 1786?

• Six

• Five

• Eight

• Seven

What was required for an amendment to the Articles to pass?

• Unanimous approval by the states

• Approval by the Supreme Court

• Approval by the President

• Majority approval by Congress

Which state eventually rescinded its ratification of the proposed amendment?

• Connecticut

• New Jersey

• Virginia

• Georgia

What was the minimum amount Madison believed was needed to cover the war debt?

• $100 million

• $10 million

• $20 million

• $50 million

What was a major concern if Congress could not raise independent revenue?

• Foreign nations would invade

• The Confederation's future was at stake

• The military would take control

• The states would become too powerful

What was a key issue that the Articles of Confederation failed to address?

• Providing Congress with enforcement powers

• Defining state boundaries

• Creating a federal judiciary

• Establishing a national currency