Embark on an educational adventure with the Articles of Confederation Scavenger Hunt Answer Key, a comprehensive guide that unveils the intricacies of this foundational American document. Dive into the historical context, key provisions, and impact of the Articles, gaining a deeper understanding of their significance in shaping the United States.
Delve into the challenges faced by the newly independent nation, explore the weaknesses and limitations that led to the Articles’ eventual replacement, and trace the document’s profound influence on the political and economic landscape of the United States.
1. Introduction to the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States of America. They were ratified in 1781 and established a loose confederation of sovereign states. The Articles were designed to provide a framework for cooperation among the states, but they proved to be too weak to effectively govern the new nation.
2. Historical Context of the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were drafted during the American Revolutionary War, when the thirteen colonies were fighting for independence from Great Britain. The colonies were united by a common cause, but they had different ideas about how the new nation should be governed.
The Articles of Confederation were a compromise that allowed the states to retain their sovereignty while still providing for a central government.
3. Key Features of the Articles of Confederation
Weak Central Government
The Articles of Confederation established a very weak central government. The Continental Congress was the only federal institution, and it had very limited powers. It could not tax, regulate commerce, or raise an army.
Limited Federal Powers
The Articles of Confederation gave the states most of the powers of government. The states could tax, regulate commerce, and raise armies. The federal government was only responsible for foreign affairs, war, and the postal service.
State Sovereignty
The Articles of Confederation recognized the sovereignty of the states. The states were free to make their own laws and set their own policies. The federal government could not interfere with the states’ internal affairs.
4. Impact of the Articles of Confederation on the United States
Positive Effects
- The Articles of Confederation allowed the states to retain their sovereignty.
- The Articles of Confederation prevented the federal government from becoming too powerful.
- The Articles of Confederation provided a framework for cooperation among the states.
Negative Effects, Articles of confederation scavenger hunt answer key
- The Articles of Confederation made it difficult for the federal government to raise money.
- The Articles of Confederation made it difficult for the federal government to regulate commerce.
- The Articles of Confederation made it difficult for the federal government to defend the nation.
5. Comparison to the Constitution: Articles Of Confederation Scavenger Hunt Answer Key
The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the Constitution in 1789. The Constitution created a much stronger central government. It gave the federal government the power to tax, regulate commerce, and raise an army. The Constitution also established a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
6. Historical Scavenger Hunt
Clues:
- Find the provision that established the Continental Congress.
- Find the provision that gave the states the power to tax.
- Find the provision that prohibited the federal government from interfering with the states’ internal affairs.
Questions:
- What were the three main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
- What were the two main positive effects of the Articles of Confederation?
- What were the two main negative effects of the Articles of Confederation?
Essential FAQs
What is the significance of the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing a loose confederation of independent states.
What were the key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles created a weak central government with limited powers, lacked provisions for taxation and regulation of commerce, and allowed states to act independently.
How did the Articles of Confederation contribute to the development of the United States?
Despite its weaknesses, the Articles provided a framework for cooperation among the states and laid the groundwork for the stronger federal government established by the Constitution.
