Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

How long did it take for all the states to ratify the Articles of Confederation after the initial deadline set by Congress?

• Less than three months

• Exactly one year

• Over three years

• Six months

What was a major problem regarding land claims for the newly independent states?

• Native American tribes refused to sell land.

• Spain and France claimed large portions of western territory.

• Great Britain had been unclear about colonial borders, leading to overlapping claims.

• The states couldn't agree on a fair price for western lands.

Why did Maryland initially refuse to ratify the Articles of Confederation?

• They wanted to remain a British colony.

• They feared larger states would become too powerful due to extensive western land claims.

• They believed the Articles gave too much power to individual states.

• They wanted a king instead of a president.

How did Virginia respond to Maryland's demand that Congress control western lands?

• Virginia immediately agreed to give up its western land claims.

• Virginia suggested cutting Maryland out of the United States entirely.

• Virginia offered to share its western lands with Maryland.

• Virginia proposed a compromise where states would jointly govern the western territories.

What was the primary reason for the dire situation of the Continental Army at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777?

• A major battle loss against the British.

• Lack of food and supplies due to worthless currency.

• A widespread disease outbreak.

• Desertion by most of the soldiers.

What was a major problem Congress faced when trying to fund the Continental Army?

• They were unable to print any money.

• States refused to collect taxes from their citizens.

• The money they printed became practically worthless.

• Foreign powers refused to lend them money.

How did the states generally respond to Congress's requests for financial contributions?

• They always paid the full amount requested.

• They treated the requests as optional and often didn't pay.

• They demanded that Congress pay them first.

• They raised taxes but kept the money for themselves.

How did George Washington describe the Confederation model of government?

• A strong and unified nation.

• A beacon of democracy.

• A many-headed monster.

• A perfect system for wartime.

What crucial role did Benjamin Franklin play in helping the American cause during the Revolutionary War?

• He led a major military campaign against the British.

• He convinced the French to become full allies of the United States.

• He designed the first American flag.

• He wrote the final draft of the Articles of Confederation.

What ultimately convinced Maryland to ratify the Articles of Confederation?

• Virginia finally gave up its western land claims.

• The British launched a new campaign against the Southern states, threatening Maryland.

• Congress promised Maryland extra funding.

• George Washington personally appealed to Maryland's delegates.