Questions and Answers
Who created the Articles of Confederation?
The Second Continental Congress
What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
To plan the structure of the new government and to create a confederation
Why was each state only having one vote a problem?
It allowed smaller states to override larger ones, which was unfair
What was the main power of the Congress?
Signup and view all the answers
What happened because Congress had no power to collect taxes?
Signup and view all the answers
What happened because Congress had no power to enforce laws?
Signup and view all the answers
What happened because there was no executive branch?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the key problem of the Articles of Confederation?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the central government do?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Creation of the Articles
- Created by the Second Continental Congress as the nation's first constitution.
Purpose
- Aimed to establish the structure of the new government and form a confederation to unite the states.
Voting Issues
- Each state had one vote, leading to unequal representation; smaller states could dominate decision-making despite larger populations.
Congressional Authority
- Congress had the power to make laws, but lacked enforcement capabilities.
Taxation Challenges
- Congress could not collect taxes, resulting in financial instability; states could choose the amount they wished to pay.
Law Enforcement Limitations
- Absence of power to enforce laws meant states enforced only those laws they chose, undermining national governance.
Executive Branch Absence
- No executive branch existed, resulting in a lack of enforcement for national laws.
Central Government Weakness
- The primary issue was a weak central government that could not effectively govern or respond to issues.
State Power
- The central government was designed to keep most authority with state governments, leading to fragmentation and inefficiency.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the Articles of Confederation with these flashcards. Learn about the creation, purpose, and structure of this foundational government document. Ideal for students and history enthusiasts alike.