structure
What was a primary accomplishment of the Land Ordinance of 1785?
it created an orderly system for surveying, dividing, and selling western public lands
what was the economics of the articles of confederation
created a decentralized economy that suffered from severe revenue shortfalls, rampant inflation, and destructive wars
what did the articles of confederation serve?
The Articles of Confederation served as the first written constitution of the United States
how many times could states vote
each state could only vote once
what was the articles of confederations foundations
The foundations of the Articles of Confederation—the first written constitution of the United States
How did Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) expose the critical weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
it revealed that the central government lacked the military power
Why couldn't the national government pay its debts or fund the Revolutionary War?
Congress lacked the power to levy taxes directly on citizens or businesses
How many branches of government existed?
Only one branch
How many states had to approve a regular law or proposal?
9 out of the 13 states had to agree to pass important measures or laws
What was the primary foundation or philosophy behind the Articles of Confederation?
Having just fought a revolution against a tyrannical king and distant parliament
how was the articles of confederation structured
The Articles of Confederation established a decentralized national government featuring a unicameral legislature
There was no unified national currency.
What type of government did it create?
A confederation
Was there a separate executive or judicial branch?
No
What did Article II say about state rights and sovereignty?
Article II explicitly stated that each state retains its sovereignty
What was the structure of the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles of Confederation (operative from 1781 to 1789) structured the United States as a loose "league of friendship" among 13 sovereign states
The national government could not regulate interstate or foreign commerce
what was the articles of confederation government called
The Articles of Confederation served as the first written constitution of the United States
Why did the system give small and large states the same vote?
The framers wanted to protect the sovereignty and equality of smaller states
What powers did the national government actually possess?
Congress could declare war and make peace
Under the Articles of confederation, what was the structure of the national legislature
A congress where each state delegation received exactly one vote
How did foreign nations take advantage of U.S. economic weakness?
Without a unified commercial policy or military strength, the United States could not negotiate favorable trade treaties
why did they need a new government
Because the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain
Did individual citizens vote directly for members of the national Congress?
No
What major rights and powers did the national government lack?
Congress could not levy or collect taxes