AP GoPo Articles of Confederation Quiz

Why did the Articles Fail?

1. The national government and the state governments were bankrupt. Former army soldiers had been promised payments for their war service and were on the verge of open mutiny in several areas. Why was the Confederation Congress unable to make needed payments? 2. The United Kingdom refused to take its soldiers out of several forts in lands given to the USA by the Treaty of Paris. They continued to threaten the frontier. Why was the national government unable to respond? 3. Spain continued to harass trade moving down the Mississippi, occasionally blocking all use of the river. Leaders of the US wanted to buy New Orleans but Congress was unable to put together any sort of offer. Why? 4. Multiple states had overlapping land claims of the western frontier and there were numerous disputes building as settlers attempted to move towards the region. Congress was unable to resolve the many claims. Why? 5. The US desperately needed foreign loans and investments, but British and Dutch bankers appeared to have no trust in the developing US economy. Why was there so little faith in the national government's ability to pay off loans? 6. Populated states deeply resented the imbalance of power in the Congress and felt that most laws could not be passed because the less populated states worked together to block efforts at reforms. Why did this problem exist? 7. The "Continental Dollar" currency was losing value rapidly and inflation of prices was hitting the economy hard. Why was Congress unable to respond? 8. Several states were placing excessive taxes on goods moving in from other states, cutting trade and growth. Why was Congress unable to respond? 9. Several attempts were made to bring about significant revisions of the structure of the government but all failed. Why? 10. Violence over taxes and foreclosures erupted in several areas, especially Massachusetts. The government had a very difficult time responding with enough force. Why?

How many states where there in the confederation years?

13

What was the time of the Confederation years?

1777-1789

Most of the USA was rural except these four cities

Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston (Charles Town).

Western/Frontier States relied on

Farming and trade down the Mississippi

Costal states relied on

Fishing and trade with England

What were the 13 sections of the Articles?

I. The name of the country will be the United States of America II. States retain sovereign rights not specifically listed in the document III. "League of Friendship" IV. Movement between states is free Extradition between states Full Faith and Credit between state laws V. Annual appointments to Congress, selections done by states State delegations set between 2 and 7 members as decided by the states Each state will have 1 vote in the Congress Freedom of speech within Congress VI. No states may make treaties with foreign leaders or governments Limits on state agreements between different groups of states No foreign imposts or duties by states without Congressional permission No standing US army or navy in peacetime No states may declare war, but can stop piracy VII. States control appointments of lower level officers if an army is created VIII. National expenses to be paid by states as requested by Congress but collected by states IX. National control of war and peace, treaties and ambassadors. Congress can create courts for piracy. Congress acts as a last court of appeal for certain inter-state disputes. (Long details are given as to how "judges" for such cases would be chosen.) Congress controls the value of national currencies. Congress has certain rules for requesting creations of army and navy units. Congress must have 9 of 13 state votes for most national decisions. No adjournment for more than 6 months. X. Nine states needed to run the government during adjournments XI. Canada is invited to join. All other areas would need approval of 9 states. XII. Debts owed prior to the adoption of the Articles will still be honored. XIII. Any amendments proposed will require all 13 states for ratification.

Maine was part of what state?

Massachusetts (Called Northern Massachusetts)

Small States were

NJ, CT, DE, NH, MD.

Large States were

VA, PA, NY, MA, NC, SC, GA

This state was an independent territory and was once claimed as an independent nation.

Vermont

Virginia also included this neighboring state.

West Virginia