The Articles of Confederation - AP U.S. History
- Why was the Annapolis Convention called in 1786?
- To address trade and commerce issues. Focused on interstate commerce problems under Articles.
- What was the duration of the Articles of Confederation's effectiveness?
- 1781 to 1789. Period between ratification and Constitutional replacement.
- What major issue did the Articles fail to address, leading to economic problems?
- Interstate tariffs and trade barriers. States imposed conflicting trade restrictions on each other.
- What was the role of committees under the Articles of Confederation?
- Manage specific governmental functions. Handled day-to-day administrative responsibilities for Congress.
- What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
- To establish a national government for the United States. Created the first national framework after independence.
- What significant action did the Land Ordinance of 1785 facilitate?
- Survey and sale of western lands. Provided systematic approach to western territorial development.
- Under the Articles, how many states needed to agree to pass major laws?
- Nine. Supermajority required for important legislation.
- What was the official name of the government under the Articles?
- The United States in Congress Assembled. Formal title emphasized confederation structure.
- Which concept was emphasized by the Articles: State sovereignty or National power?
- State sovereignty. States retained most governmental authority and independence.
- What was a result of the Articles' inability to regulate commerce?
- Economic instability and trade disputes. Lack of federal authority created economic chaos.
- Which year did Shays' Rebellion occur?
- 1786-1787. Farmers' revolt exposed government's military weakness.
- Which body held the most power under the Articles of Confederation?
- The Continental Congress. Only branch of government established under the Articles.
- How many votes did each state have in Congress under the Articles?
- One vote per state. Equal representation regardless of state size or population.
- How many branches of government did the Articles establish?
- One. Only legislative branch existed, no executive or judicial.
- Why did the Articles of Confederation emphasize state sovereignty?
- Fear of centralized power. Reaction against British colonial control and tyranny.
- What was the role of the President under the Articles of Confederation?
- Presiding officer of Congress. Ceremonial position with no executive authority.
- Which branch of government was absent in the Articles of Confederation?
- Executive. No separate executive branch to enforce laws.
- What prompted the transition from the Articles to the Constitution?
- The need for a stronger federal government. Articles proved inadequate for governing effectively.
- Why was the Articles of Confederation considered a 'league of friendship'?
- It emphasized cooperation and mutual defense. Described as alliance rather than unified nation.
- How did the Articles of Confederation address military needs?
- Congress could request troops from states. Could ask for but not compel military service.
- What was the role of the states under the Articles of Confederation?
- Retained all powers not delegated to Congress. Federal government had limited enumerated powers only.
- What authority did Congress have over war under the Articles?
- The power to declare war. Congress retained key military decision-making authority.
- How did the Articles of Confederation impact foreign relations?
- Weak central government hindered diplomacy. Other nations doubted America's ability to honor commitments.
- What powers did Congress lack under the Articles of Confederation?
- Power to tax and regulate commerce. These were critical powers needed for effective governance.
- What did the Articles require for the admission of new states?
- Approval by Congress. Congress could admit states to the confederation.
- Which body approved treaties under the Articles of Confederation?
- Congress. Congress held authority over foreign agreements.
- When were the Articles of Confederation ratified?
- March 1, 1781. Final ratification completed the nation's first constitution.
- How did the Articles address judicial matters?
- No national judiciary was established. Left legal disputes to individual states to resolve.
- How was the issue of western lands resolved under the Articles?
- Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Established process for territorial expansion and statehood.
- Which body resolved disputes between states under the Articles?
- Congress. Served as arbiter in conflicts between states.
- What was a financial problem faced under the Articles?
- Congress could not impose taxes. Federal government relied entirely on state contributions.
- What led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
- Ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation. Delegates recognized need for fundamental governmental reform.
- Which state was last to ratify the Articles of Confederation?
- Maryland. Held out until western land claims were resolved.
- What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles?
- Shays' Rebellion. Armed uprising showed federal government's inability to maintain order.
- How many articles make up the Articles of Confederation?
- Thirteen. Document contained thirteen distinct articles of governance.
- Which document replaced the Articles of Confederation?
- The United States Constitution. Created stronger federal government to address weaknesses.
- Under the Articles, who held the power to coin money?
- Both Congress and the states. Dual authority created confusion over monetary policy.
- Identify one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
- Inability to levy taxes. Congress could only request money from states.
- What was a diplomatic weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
- Inability to enforce treaties. Lacked authority to compel state compliance with agreements.
- Which document served as the first constitution of the United States?
- The Articles of Confederation. America's initial governing document before the Constitution.
- What was required for amendments to be made to the Articles?
- Unanimous approval of the states. Extremely difficult requirement that prevented changes.