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What was the primary concern among lawmakers regarding a strong central government after independence?
What was the primary concern among lawmakers regarding a strong central government after independence?
The Articles of Confederation allowed Congress to impose taxes on the states.
The Articles of Confederation allowed Congress to impose taxes on the states.
False
Who was James Madison and what was his role during the Constitutional Convention?
Who was James Madison and what was his role during the Constitutional Convention?
James Madison was a Virginia Patriot who played a key role in drafting the new Constitution and advocating for a stronger national government.
The Articles of Confederation created a "firm league of friendship" but ultimately proved to be ineffective like a "______ of sand."
The Articles of Confederation created a "firm league of friendship" but ultimately proved to be ineffective like a "______ of sand."
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Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
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Which issue did Congress successfully gain agreement from the states on?
Which issue did Congress successfully gain agreement from the states on?
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Disputes among the states began after the American Revolution was concluded.
Disputes among the states began after the American Revolution was concluded.
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What did the Articles of Confederation fail to provide to Congress?
What did the Articles of Confederation fail to provide to Congress?
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Madison described Congress's efforts under the Articles of Confederation as a series of __________ requests.
Madison described Congress's efforts under the Articles of Confederation as a series of __________ requests.
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What phrase best describes the relationship among the states under the Articles of Confederation?
What phrase best describes the relationship among the states under the Articles of Confederation?
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What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 establish?
What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 establish?
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Slavery was permitted in the Northwest Territory.
Slavery was permitted in the Northwest Territory.
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Who led Shays' Rebellion?
Who led Shays' Rebellion?
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The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 allowed a territory to apply for statehood once it reached __________ free adult males.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 allowed a territory to apply for statehood once it reached __________ free adult males.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What was a consequence of Shays' Rebellion?
What was a consequence of Shays' Rebellion?
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The Land Ordinance of 1785 allowed settlers to claim land without restrictions.
The Land Ordinance of 1785 allowed settlers to claim land without restrictions.
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What was the main financial issue the new nation faced under the Articles of Confederation?
What was the main financial issue the new nation faced under the Articles of Confederation?
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The __________ was a significant uprising that demonstrated the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.
The __________ was a significant uprising that demonstrated the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.
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What was the purpose of the convention called in 1787?
What was the purpose of the convention called in 1787?
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Study Notes
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
- The Articles of Confederation, a plan created to unite the states, created a "league of friendship" with limited central authority.
- States retained significant sovereignty, cooperation for common purposes was limited, and Congress's ability to impose taxes was severely restricted.
- This made the central government ineffective, likened to a "rope of sand."
- Early disagreements among states arose, including disputes over boundaries and taxes on goods.
Land Ordinance of 1785
- This law organized western lands, dividing them into six-mile squares (townships)
- Each township was further divided into 36 sections, one for public schools and the rest for sale.
- This addressed confusion over land ownership, contributing to orderly settlement.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
- It established the process for governing territories in the Northwest Territory.
- Once a territory achieved a population of 5,000 free adult males, it could elect a legislature.
- Achieving 60,000 residents allowed a territory to apply for statehood.
- Notably, the ordinance banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
Economic Problems under the Articles
- The paper money printed during the war had little to no value.
- Congress lacked gold/silver to mint coins effectively.
- States printed their own currencies which led to confusion and instability regarding values.
- This created economic difficulties, especially for farmers facing debt and high taxes.
Shay's Rebellion
- Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, rebelled against high taxes and debt-related land seizures.
- They shut down courthouses to prevent foreclosures and threatened the national arsenal.
- The rebellion highlighted the inability of the central government to effectively respond to internal conflicts under the Articles.
- The event highlighted the weakness and instability of the central government.
The Constitutional Convention
- Shay's Rebellion alarmed many Americans, prompting a call for a convention to amend the Articles of Confederation.
- Representatives from each state gathered in Philadelphia in 1787.
- This convention eventually led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
- Madison sought a central government to prevent future internal conflicts and maintain national unity.
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Description
Explore the significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, including its inability to unify states effectively and impose taxes. This quiz also delves into the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which aimed to improve governance and land organization. Test your knowledge on these foundational aspects of early American government.
