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