Understanding the Articles of Confederation

The lesson introduces the concept of justice and the formation of the U.S. government, focusing on the Articles of Confederation. It reviews vocabulary, discusses the challenges of creating a new government, and highlights the weaknesses of the Articles. The lesson concludes with a summary and reflection activity.

What is the essential question for the unit on justice?

• What are the main principles of justice?

• What is the role of the judiciary in the U.S.?

• How did America try to create a government that served justice?

• How does the U.S. government function today?

What does the term 'territory' refer to in this lesson?

• A region designated by Congress under a governor

• A region governed by a king

• A foreign land conquered by the U.S.

• A state with its own government

What was a major challenge in forming a new government after the Revolutionary War?

• Deciding on a national language

• Establishing trade routes

• Choosing a new king

• Creating a unified national government

What were the Articles of Confederation?

• A set of laws for the British colonies

• A document outlining the rights of citizens

• A treaty with France

• The first constitution of the United States

Which branch of government was established under the Articles of Confederation?

• Executive

• Judicial

• All three branches

• Legislative

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It created a national court system

• It established a powerful executive branch

• It did not allow Congress to levy taxes

• It allowed for a strong central government

How many states needed to agree to amend the Articles of Confederation?

• 7 out of 13

• All 13 states

• 9 out of 13

• 10 out of 13

What was the impact of each state having its own tax laws under the Articles?

• It resulted in 13 separate state economies

• It led to economic prosperity

• It created a unified national economy

• It strengthened the central government

Why was there no national court system under the Articles of Confederation?

• There was no need for a court system

• It was too expensive to establish

• The Articles explicitly prohibited it

• States preferred to handle disputes independently

What was required to pass a law under the Articles of Confederation?

• Approval from the President

• A supermajority of 9 out of 13 states

• A unanimous decision

• A simple majority