The Articles of Confederation: Unit 3 Flashcards
Why were the Articles of Confederation written?
Congress wanted to continue to unite the former colonies after the Declaration. This was the first attempt at a federal government.
What acted as the first constitution of the US?
The Articles of Confederation
When did the Articles of Confederation stop being used?
1787 when the Constitution was signed
Why were the Articles weak?
The colonists were reluctant to give much power to a central government. The colonies feared that a new central government might be no better than the English king had been.
Why couldn’t the government pay their bills?
The Articles were so weak, they couldn’t ask for taxes (had to ask for funds)
Weaknesses of the Articles:
No national courts, no power to tax, no real power for money, All changes had to be approved by all the states, all-important laws had to be approved by the 9 states
What is considered to be unquestionable, deserved by all people under all circumstances, especially without regard to race, creed, color, or gender?
Civil rights
What was started by farmers in Massachusetts who were losing their farms?
Shay’s Rebellion
This was a form of government during the American Revolution.
Articles of Confederation
Who had to approve important acts under the Articles?
States
Fear of this was in the minds of many American colonists in the 1780’s?
Strong Central Government
This power was lacking in the Articles of Confederations
Taxation
T or F: The Articles of Confederation acted as the first U.S. Constitution?
True
T or F: The Articles were weak because of the fear of a strong central government?
True
T or F: Shay’s Rebellion was carried out to support a weak central government.
False: Farmers with large debts rebelled against the courts
