Embark on an illuminating journey into the realm of the Articles of Confederation Answer Key PDF. This comprehensive guide unlocks the historical significance, key principles, and impact of this foundational document that shaped the United States’ governance. Delve into the complexities of the Articles of Confederation, unraveling its strengths, weaknesses, and the profound legacy it left on the nation’s constitutional framework.

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing a loose confederation of sovereign states. This document played a pivotal role in the nation’s formative years, laying the groundwork for the development of a more robust and enduring Constitution.

Articles of Confederation Overview

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States of America. They were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, and ratified by all 13 states by March 1, 1781.

The Articles of Confederation established a loose confederation of sovereign states. The central government was very weak, with limited powers. The states retained most of the power, including the power to tax, raise armies, and make laws.

Key Principles and Provisions of the Articles of Confederation

• Sovereignty of the states:The states were considered to be sovereign entities, and the central government was only a creature of the states.
• Limited powers of the central government:The central government was only given the power to declare war, make peace, and enter into treaties.
• Unicameral legislature:The central government was composed of a single house of representatives, with each state having one vote.
• Amendments required unanimous consent:Any amendments to the Articles of Confederation required the unanimous consent of all 13 states.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation, Articles of confederation answer key pdf

• Emphasis on states’ rights:The Articles of Confederation protected the rights of the states and prevented the central government from becoming too powerful.
• Flexibility:The Articles of Confederation were flexible and allowed the states to experiment with different forms of government.
• Limited government:The Articles of Confederation limited the power of the central government and prevented it from infringing on the rights of the people.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• Lack of a strong central government:The central government was too weak to effectively govern the country. It could not raise taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce its laws.
• Unanimous consent for amendments:The requirement for unanimous consent for amendments made it difficult to change the Articles of Confederation.
• Inability to resolve disputes between states:The central government was unable to resolve disputes between states, which led to conflict and instability.

Comparison to the Constitution

The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the United States Constitution in 1789. The Constitution created a much stronger central government with the power to tax, regulate commerce, and enforce its laws.

Key Differences Between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

• Balance of power:The Articles of Confederation gave most of the power to the states, while the Constitution gave more power to the central government.
• Structure of government:The Articles of Confederation created a unicameral legislature, while the Constitution created a bicameral legislature with a Senate and a House of Representatives.
• Amendments:The Articles of Confederation required unanimous consent for amendments, while the Constitution requires only a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Historical Significance

The Articles of Confederation were a significant step in the development of the United States. They established the first national government and provided a framework for the country’s future development.

The Articles of Confederation also paved the way for the development of the United States Constitution. The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the demand for a stronger central government, which was ultimately created by the Constitution.

Common Queries: Articles Of Confederation Answer Key Pdf

What were the key strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation emphasized states’ rights, preserving their sovereignty and independence. It also established a unicameral Congress, where each state had one vote, ensuring equal representation.

What were the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation lacked a strong central government, leading to weak leadership and difficulty in enforcing laws. It also lacked the power to regulate commerce, raise taxes, or maintain a standing army, making it challenging to address national issues.

How did the Articles of Confederation compare to the United States Constitution?

The United States Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation in 1789, establishing a stronger federal government with a clear separation of powers. It created a bicameral Congress, a strong executive branch led by the President, and an independent judiciary.