The Articles of Confederation and Shays' Rebellion: A Closer Look at America's First Government

The video discusses the Articles of Confederation, highlighting its lack of a central government and its focus on mutual defense and free trade. It contrasts the Articles with the US Constitution and explores the economic struggles post-Revolutionary War, leading to Shays' Rebellion. The rebellion exposed the Articles' weaknesses, prompting the Constitutional Convention to draft a stronger federal government framework, resulting in the US Constitution.

What was the primary focus of the Articles of Confederation?

• Developing a federalist system

• Establishing a strong central government

• Creating a mutual defense union and free trade

• Forming a single nation-state

How did the Articles of Confederation begin?

• With 'In the name of the United States'

• With 'To all to whom these presents shall come'

• With 'We the undersigned delegates'

• With 'We the People'

What was a key characteristic of the states under the Articles of Confederation?

• They had no individual rights

• They were required to follow federal laws

• They retained their sovereignty and independence

• They were unified under a single government

What was a major financial weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• The inability to print money

• The inability to tax citizens directly

• The inability to trade with foreign nations

• The inability to establish a national bank

What economic issue did the United States face after the Revolutionary War?

• Excessive taxation by the central government

• Surplus of gold and silver

• Lack of paper currency

• Significant debt to foreign countries

Who was Daniel Shays?

• A British loyalist

• A delegate at the Constitutional Convention

• A veteran and farmer leading a rebellion

• A wealthy merchant

What was the main cause of Shays' Rebellion?

• Dispute over state boundaries

• Economic hardship and debt among farmers

• Opposition to the new Constitution

• Desire for independence from Britain

What did Shays' Rebellion highlight about the Articles of Confederation?

• Its success in unifying the states

• Its strong central government

• Its effectiveness in handling internal conflicts

• Its inability to respond quickly to crises

What was a significant outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

• The strengthening of the Articles of Confederation

• The drafting of a new Constitution

• The establishment of a monarchy

• The dissolution of the United States

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

• To create a stronger central government

• To edit the Articles of Confederation

• To establish trade agreements with Europe

• To declare war on Britain