Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention

What was one major limitation of the Articles of Confederation regarding the federal government's power?

Which plan proposed at the Constitutional Convention favored larger states by allocating representation based on population?

What was the outcome of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Which statement best describes the government structure under the Articles of Confederation?

What compromise was proposed to ensure both large and small states had fair representation in Congress?

Articles of Confederation

First plan of government for the United States
Created a single branch of government (Congress)
Congress handled foreign affairs
States retained significant power
Failed to effectively address important issues like interstate cooperation, defense, and finances

Powers of the Articles of Confederation

Conduct foreign relations
Raise an army and navy
Borrow money
Establish a postal system
Manage Native American affairs

Powers Denied the Federal Government under the Articles

No executive branch to enforce laws
No power to regulate commerce
No power to tax

Constitutional Convention

Twelve states sent delegates to Philadelphia in 1787
Rhode Island did not participate due to concerns about repayment of war debts
Delegates lacked a clear plan for new government

The New Jersey Plan

Proposed by William Paterson
Three branches of government
Single-house legislature
Each state held one vote, regardless of population

The Great Compromise

Proposed by Roger Sherman
Two-house legislature (bicameral)
Lower house (House of Representatives): representation based on population
Upper house (Senate): each state gets two senators

The 3/5's Compromise

Southern states wanted to include enslaved people in population counts for representation
Enslaved persons counted as 3/5 of a free person for both taxation and representation

This quiz covers the key aspects of the Articles of Confederation, including its powers and limitations, as well as the events of the Constitutional Convention. Understand the challenges faced by the early United States government and the proposals that emerged from the convention, such as the New Jersey Plan. Test your knowledge of this critical period in American history.