The Articles of Confederation

What was the first document outlining the federal government of the United States?

• The Constitution

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

In the late 18th century, who did Thomas Jefferson and the other authors of the Declaration of Independence primarily refer to when discussing natural rights?

• All citizens of the newly formed United States

• White land-owning men

• Abolitionists, African Americans, and women's suffragists

• All men, regardless of race or property ownership

Which of the following was NOT a requirement to vote in South Carolina during the late 18th century?

• Be a man

• Be white

• Own a set amount of land

• Be a state senator

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

• Regulate commerce between states

• Levy taxes on citizens

• Define money

• Enforce laws through a national court system

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed the federal government to regulate interstate commerce.

• It required only a simple majority for changes to the articles.

• It granted the federal government the power to print money.

• It required unanimous agreement from states for any changes.

What was a key focus of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787?

• To establish a weak central government that could not oppress its people.

• To ensure complete transparency in all governmental discussions.

• To balance federal power with the preservation of state power.

• To immediately abolish slavery across all states.

How did the Virginia Plan propose representation in the federal legislature?

• A unicameral legislature with one vote per state.

• A bicameral legislature with representation decided by population size.

• A bicameral legislature with equal representation for all states.

• A unicameral legislature with representation based on state wealth.

Which clause in the Constitution addressed the counting of enslaved persons for representation and taxation?

• The Fugitive Slave Clause

• The Commerce Clause

• The Three-fifths Clause

• The Supremacy Clause