The Articles of Confederation
Strengths & Weaknesses
Shays Rebellion
Credibility Check
Sourcing I: The Phantom Source
Sourcing II: Attack of the Sources
100
What was the first governing document of the United States?
The Articles of Confederation
100
What was one major weakness of the national government under the Articles?
Inability to tax citizens directly, no national army, very difficult to change laws (or any change for that matter), no executive branch, no independent judicial branch, no "uniformity" with currency, no way to regulate commerce (trade)
100
Who was the former Revolutionary War soldier associated with leading Shays' Rebellion?
Daniel Shays
100
What does it mean for a source to be credible? How do we define "credibility"?
It is trustworthy and provides information that is reasonably reliable for the question being investigated.
100
Daily Double
Based on this document, what is the point of view held by those who ratified this document?
Secondly, what evidence from this document would support that claim?
1.) The states need more power
2.) "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence..."
100
Primary or Secondary?
Secondary
200
Under the Articles, who had the most power?
State governments
200
What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 accomplish?
It established a way for new states to be admitted.
Territorial governor -> 5,000 free adult males -> elect legislature -> 60,000 people -> apply to Congress to be a state!
200
What economic problems led many Massachusetts farmers to protest?
Debt, high taxes, unpaid war debts, and the threat of losing their farms through foreclosure or imprisonment for debt.
200
A witness personally sees an event happen. What might make this witness a valuable source?
They have firsthand knowledge of the event
200
A political writer argues that the Articles are too weak because Congress cannot enforce its laws. Identify the claim and the reasoning.
Claim: The Articles create a weak national government.
Reasoning: Congress cannot reliably enforce its laws, limiting its ability to govern effectively.
200
Examine this source. What is the main idea of the source?
The Articles of Confederation have many issues and should not be supported
300
Under the Articles of Confederation, how many states had to agree to a law before it could be established?
9/13
300
What is one way the federal government tried to gain money to pay back its Revolutionary War debt?
It sold land (Northwest Territory) that it acquired in the Treaty of Paris to private individuals
300
What did some protesting farmers attempt to prevent courts from doing?
Foreclosing on farms and issuing judgments against indebted farmers.
300
What does it mean for sources to "corroborate" one another? How do we define "corroboration"?
separate, independent pieces of information or evidence agree on a fact or point, making the original claim stronger and more believable
300
What is a limitation of this source?
It does not show information about how the Articles affected life in the United States; It does not provide evidence of how the Articles impacted people.
300
Daily Double!
A historian publishes an article in 2025 that analyzes a diary written in 1786.
1.) Identify the primary source and the secondary source.
2.) Do you think the article written will be credible? Why?
1.) The 1786 diary is the primary source; the historian's 2025 article analyzing it is the secondary source.
2.) Yes, most likely, considering it is pulling from a primary source.
400
Under the Articles of Confederation, how many states had to agree to an amendment to the Articles before it could be ratified?
13/13
400
Why was the national government unable to effectively regulate trade between states?
There was no independent judiciary to solve issues between states
It lacked sufficient authority to regulate interstate commerce, allowing states to create conflicting trade policies.
400
Why did the national government's response to Shays' Rebellion reveal a weakness of the Articles?
The national government struggled to raise the money and forces needed to respond effectively to the uprising.
400
A farmer who participated in Shays' Rebellion describes the uprising. What is one strength and one limitation of this source?
Strength: firsthand experience.
Limitation: the farmer may be biased or have an incomplete view of the event.
400
A letter written by a farmer in 1787 says, 'My land will be taken because I cannot pay my debts.' What historical context would help you better understand this statement?
Where the farmer lived, what his financial situation is, did he serve in the military, etc.
Economic hardship after the Revolution, outstanding debts, state taxes, court proceedings, and the risk of foreclosure.
400
1.) Yes they do
2.) They are both listing issues with the Articles of Confederation
500
Why did the Americans create a weak national government after declaring independence?
They feared another powerful central government might abuse its authority, as they believed Britain had done.
500
How could requiring unanimous state approval for amendments prevent the government from responding to national problems?
A single state could block a proposed change, even if the other twelve supported it, making reform extremely difficult.
500
How did Shays' Rebellion encourage support for replacing the Articles of Confederation?
It convinced many leaders that the national government needed greater power to maintain order, address economic problems, and respond to crises.
500
Two sources disagree about whether the farmers in Shays' Rebellion were dangerous criminals or citizens protesting unfair conditions. What should a historian do to evaluate their competing claims?
Examine each source's author, purpose, context, evidence, and perspective; corroborate their claims with other independent sources before reaching a conclusion.
500
Examine the source. What is the main purpose of this text?
To inform about the Articles of Confederation
500
A pamphlet argues that a stronger national government is necessary, using Shays' Rebellion as evidence. What additional questions should you ask before accepting its argument?
Who wrote it and why? Who was the intended audience? What evidence supports the argument? Does the author leave out opposing perspectives? Do other sources corroborate the claims?