The Foundations of American Government and the Articles of Confederation

The video explores the formation of the United States' first national government under the Articles of Confederation. It discusses the British Parliament's actions against American colonies, leading to the Continental Congress's efforts to unify and declare independence. Benjamin Franklin's influence on early governance ideas and John Dickinson's drafting of the Articles are highlighted, showing the challenges faced in creating a unified national government.

What was the first national government of the United States?

• The United States Constitution

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Continental Congress

• The Declaration of Independence

Why did the British Parliament decide to punish Boston and Massachusetts?

• To make an example of them to other colonies

• To support their self-governance

• To encourage them to declare independence

• To reward them for their loyalty

What was the outcome of the Continental Congress's first letter to Parliament?

• It resulted in a declaration of war

• It was ignored by Parliament

• It was warmly received by King George III

• It led to immediate reconciliation

What was the main reason the Continental Congress wrote a second letter to King George?

• To ask for financial aid

• To declare independence

• To express continued loyalty and blame his ministers

• To request more British troops

What inspired Benjamin Franklin's ideas for a confederation?

• The Roman Empire

• The French government

• The Haudenosaunee confederacy

• The British Parliament

Why was Franklin's initial plan for a union rejected by the colonies?

• It gave too much power to the colonies

• It required them to give up some political power to a central legislature

• It was too similar to British rule

• It was too expensive to implement

What was John Dickinson's main concern about declaring independence?

• The support of foreign allies

• The economic impact on the colonies

• The lack of a national government

• The strength of the British army

What name did John Dickinson propose for the new country?

• The United Colonies of North America

• The United States of America

• The American Confederation

• The New American Republic

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It was never ratified by any state

• It was too similar to British law

• It had too much power over the states

• It lacked a strong central government

What power did Congress retain under the Articles of Confederation?

• The power to levy taxes

• The power to regulate commerce

• The power to enforce laws

• The power to make foreign treaties