Articles of Confederation Quiz

Articles of Confederation

• First successful organizational effort for the thirteen original colonies of the United States.
• Inception aimed at establishing unity among colonies and facilitating foreign assistance during the Revolutionary War.
• Ratified in 1781, functioning alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Model Treaty.
• Provided the colonial powers with some leverage for diplomatic negotiations, including land deals with foreign governments.
• Lacked a strong central authority, leading to issues in governance and international relations post-Revolution.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• Absence of an executive branch to enforce laws or lead governance.
• No judicial branch to resolve disputes between states or enforce treaties.
• Individual states could violate international treaties, harming U.S. diplomatic relations.
• No taxing authority to collect funds for war expenses or national debt, leading to possible financial instability and depreciation of printed currency.

Transition to the Constitution

• The Constitution was adopted in 1789 to provide a more centralized and authoritative governance structure.
• Established a bicameral legislature, unlike the unicameral system of the Articles of Confederation.
• Introduced a single vote for each legislative representative from each state, based on population census, enhancing democratic representation.
• Created an Executive Branch accountable to the public and established a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government.

Key Features of the Constitution

• Enumerates the relationship between the Federal Government and the states, clarifying jurisdiction and authority.
• Introduced the Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments protecting individual civil liberties.
• Unique for its time, it influenced the democratic reforms of several other countries.

Amendments and Legacy

• The Constitution is intentionally vague on several major issues, including slavery, leading to ongoing debates and amendments.
• Has been amended 27 times since its inception, adapting to changing societal needs (e.g., the 18th Amendment introduced Prohibition).
• Despite its length, the U.S. Constitution is one of the shortest written constitutions in contemporary existence, showcasing its foundational nature and adaptability.

Test your knowledge on the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States. This quiz covers its inception, main features, and weaknesses that led to significant challenges in governance and international relations. Discover how it shaped the early republic and its role during the Revolutionary War.