Articles of Confederation Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary function of the Articles of Confederation?

  • To create a judicial system
  • To provide a strong centralized government
  • To organize and mobilize the thirteen colonies (correct)
  • To establish an executive branch
  • Which issue was NOT addressed by the Articles of Confederation?

  • Establishment of a bicameral legislature (correct)
  • No authority to levy taxes
  • No judicial branch
  • Lack of an executive power
  • What significant weakness did the Articles of Confederation present diplomatically?

  • Lack of a common currency
  • Establishment of trade tariffs
  • States could violate international treaties (correct)
  • Ability to print money
  • What year was the Articles of Confederation finalized?

    <p>1781</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term became widespread to describe the worthless money printed under the Articles of Confederation?

    <p>Not worth a Continental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a major claim made by American nationalists regarding the Articles of Confederation?

    <p>It needed improvements for better governance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Articles of Confederation structure the legislative body?

    <p>As a unicameral legislature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the Articles of Confederation's lack of taxing authority?

    <p>Inability to pay off war expenses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What system of voting power was established in the Articles of Confederation?

    <p>One vote per state by committees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major change did the Constitution introduce compared to the Articles of Confederation?

    <p>Centralized authority in a single political entity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year was the American Constitution adopted?

    <p>1789</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key components established by the Constitution that outlines the relationship between the Federal Government and the states?

    <p>The Bill of Rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution currently have?

    <p>27</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant issue was not addressed by the original Constitution?

    <p>The institution of slavery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Constitution provide among the three branches of government?

    <p>Checks and balances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What historical legislation was enacted as the 18th Amendment to the Constitution?

    <p>Prohibition of alcohol sale</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    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.

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    Description

    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.

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