Challenges of the Articles of Confederation - AP US Government and Politics
- Identify a key limitation on the Confederation Congress.
- Inability to enforce laws. No executive or judicial branch to ensure compliance.
- How did the Articles affect foreign relations?
- Weak central government limited effectiveness. Could not enforce treaties or project power internationally.
- What was a key feature of the Articles regarding amendments?
- Required unanimous consent. High threshold prevented necessary reforms and improvements.
- What was the impact of the Articles on state sovereignty?
- States retained most of their sovereignty. Created a loose confederation rather than strong union.
- What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
- To establish a framework for the new national government. First governing document after independence from Britain.
- Identify an economic policy weakness under the Articles.
- States could impose tariffs on each other. Created trade barriers and economic warfare between states.
- What was an issue caused by the Articles' lack of executive power?
- Ineffective national leadership. No chief executive to coordinate policy or command respect.
- What was one reason for the delay in ratifying the Articles?
- Disputes over western land claims. States with land claims resisted ceding territory to Congress.
- How did the Articles of Confederation address disputes between states?
- Confederation Congress acted as mediator. Limited authority to resolve interstate conflicts effectively.
- What judicial authority was absent under the Articles?
- A national judiciary. No federal courts to resolve disputes or interpret law.
- Identify a structural issue of the Articles of Confederation.
- Single legislative body with limited powers. Lacked separation of powers and checks and balances.
- Which state's refusal delayed ratification of the Articles?
- Maryland, due to land claim disputes. Held out until western lands were ceded to Congress.
- What was the role of state legislatures under the Articles?
- Retained significant power and autonomy. States functioned almost like independent nations.
- What key feature did the Articles lack regarding law enforcement?
- No executive to enforce laws. Congress could not compel obedience to its laws.
- Which branch of government was missing under the Articles?
- The executive branch. No single leader to enforce laws or coordinate policy.
- What was the impact of the Articles on military defense?
- Inability to coordinate a national defense. Could not maintain unified military force against threats.
- What was required to amend the Articles of Confederation?
- Unanimous consent from all 13 states. Made amendments nearly impossible to achieve in practice.
- Identify a key economic weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
- Inability to regulate interstate commerce. Led to trade wars and economic conflicts between states.
- What was required to pass major legislation under the Articles?
- Approval of nine out of thirteen states. Supermajority requirement made decision-making difficult.
- How did the Articles of Confederation influence federalism?
- Emphasized state sovereignty over federal power. Prioritized state independence over national unity.
- Which economic challenge did the Articles fail to address?
- National debt and inflation. Lacked revenue-raising power to address financial problems.
- Why was the Confederation Congress often ineffective?
- Lack of enforcement power. Could pass laws but not compel states to comply.
- What was the significance of Shays' Rebellion?
- Highlighted weaknesses in the Articles. Farmers' uprising showed government's inability to maintain order.
- What was the result of the inability to levy taxes under the Articles?
- Financial instability and reliance on state contributions. Congress often lacked funds to operate government effectively.
- Which document replaced the Articles of Confederation?
- The United States Constitution. Created stronger federal government with enforcement powers.
- How many votes did each state have under the Articles of Confederation?
- One vote per state. Equal representation regardless of state size or population.
- What power did states retain under the Articles?
- Control over their own militias. States maintained independent military forces and authority.
- Identify the legislative body created by the Articles of Confederation.
- The Confederation Congress. Unicameral legislature with representatives from each state.
- What was a major reason for the eventual failure of the Articles?
- Inadequate central authority. Federal government too weak to govern effectively.
- How did the Articles handle national economic policy?
- Left economic policy largely to the states. Federal government lacked tools for economic management.
- Identify a way in which the Articles influenced the Constitution.
- Highlighted need for a stronger central government. Constitution created federal system with divided powers.
- Identify a financial limitation of the Confederation Congress.
- Could not issue a stable national currency. Multiple state currencies created economic chaos and instability.
- What military power was missing under the Articles of Confederation?
- The power to maintain a standing army. Left national defense vulnerable and uncoordinated.
- Identify a diplomatic challenge faced under the Articles.
- Inability to enforce treaties. Weakened America's credibility and negotiating position abroad.
- How did the Articles affect interstate relations?
- Lack of central regulation led to conflicts. No federal authority to mediate or resolve disputes.
- How did the Articles address taxation?
- Relied on voluntary state contributions. No power to compel states to pay their share.
- What was one success of the Articles of Confederation?
- The Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Established governance for western territories and statehood.
- What was the effect of state currencies under the Articles?
- Created economic instability and confusion. Different currencies hindered interstate trade and commerce.
- What power did the national government lack under the Articles?
- The power to levy taxes. Had to rely on voluntary state contributions for revenue.
- What was a consequence of the Articles' weaknesses?
- Inability to effectively respond to crises. Government too weak to handle emergencies or rebellions.