The Legacy of the Articles of Confederation in Shaping American Governance

The Articles of Confederation were favored by state governments for their limited powers, aligning with the revolutionary goal of local governance. However, the lack of a strong national government, including no executive branch and limited powers in taxation, army, and commerce, made the Articles inadequate for governing a new nation. Key figures like Hamilton, Madison, and Washington recognized the need for a more vigorous national government to ensure the United States' survival.

Why did state governments favor the Articles of Confederation?

• They provided a strong national government.

• They enabled national taxation.

• They limited the powers of the national government.

• They allowed for a national army.

What was a primary goal of the American Revolution reflected in the Articles of Confederation?

• Centralizing power in a national government.

• Establishing a monarchy.

• Ensuring local elected legislatures governed the people.

• Creating a strong executive branch.

How did the Articles of Confederation aim to prevent tyranny?

• By preserving most powers for the states.

• By establishing a national military.

• By creating a strong executive branch.

• By allowing the national government to tax.

What was a key reason for the Articles of Confederation's design?

• To centralize power in the national government.

• To create a strong national military.

• To ensure state power and prevent distant government control.

• To establish a national currency.

What was a significant limitation of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The ability to negotiate treaties.

• The power to establish state governments.

• The power to regulate commerce.

• The ability to declare war.

Which power was NOT granted to the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The power to declare war.

• The power to negotiate treaties.

• The power to tax.

• The power to establish post offices.

What realization did revolutionaries have about the Articles of Confederation after the revolution?

• They needed more restrictions.

• They were inadequate for a national government.

• They were perfect for governing a new nation.

• They were too strong for a new nation.

What was a major consequence of the Articles of Confederation's limitations?

• The United States became a monarchy.

• The states lost all power.

• The national government became too powerful.

• The national government struggled to govern effectively.

Who were some of the key figures that recognized the need for a stronger national government?

• Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

• Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock.

• Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams.

• Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Washington.

What term did revolutionaries use to describe the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Centralized government.

• Tyrannical government.

• Unvigorous government.

• Weak government.