Exploring the Articles of Confederation

The video discusses the Articles of Confederation, the first plan of government for the US, highlighting its weaknesses such as a lack of strong central authority, inability to enforce laws, and financial issues. It covers the challenges faced by the new nation, including foreign threats and domestic unrest like Shays' Rebellion. The video also explains the structural limitations of the Articles, such as the lack of executive and judicial branches, and the difficulty in passing laws or amendments. Despite these issues, the Articles achieved the Northwest Ordinance, which banned slavery in new states. The need for a stronger government led to the Constitutional Convention.

What was the first plan of government for the United States?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

• The US Constitution

• The Articles of Confederation

Why were the states reluctant to give away their sovereignty under the Articles of Confederation?

• They wanted to form a monarchy

• They feared a strong central government

• They had no interest in independence

• They preferred British rule

What metaphor was used to describe the problems facing the new nation?

• A ticking clock

• A scale

• A sinking ship

• A broken chain

Which foreign powers still occupied parts of the West after the Revolutionary War?

• Portuguese and Italian

• Spanish and British

• German and Russian

• French and Dutch

Who led the uprising in Massachusetts in 1786?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Daniel Shays

• Thomas Jefferson

What was one major issue with the Articles of Confederation regarding law enforcement?

• No military

• No legislative branch

• No executive or judicial branches

• No state governments

Why was it difficult to amend the Articles of Confederation?

• It required a simple majority

• It required a two-thirds majority

• It required approval from foreign powers

• It required unanimous consent

What significant achievement was made under the Articles of Confederation?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

• The Northwest Ordinance

What did the Northwest Ordinance state about slavery?

• It was to be regulated by the federal government

• It was to be decided by each state

• It was to be banned in the Northwest Territory

• It was to be allowed in the Northwest Territory

What event marked the need for a change from the Articles of Confederation?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Constitutional Convention

• The end of the Revolutionary War

• The Boston Tea Party