Question

Prior to the ratification of the Constitution, which of the following problems could have occurred in the United States due to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
A.

Concerned about growing opposition to his rule, the president enacted new laws outlawing criticism of the government and limiting the freedom of the press.

B.

Due to a costly war, the federal government raised personal income taxes so much that individuals were unable to afford basic necessities.

C.

In order to protect its cotton industry, the state of Georgia imposed a tariff on all agricultural goods imported from North Carolina and South Carolina.

D.

Because Georgia had a small population, it had very little representation in the national legislature, leading many Georgians to distrust the national government.

Answer 1

C

Under the Articles of Confederation the national government could not regulate interstate commerce, so states often acted independently and imposed trade barriers or tariffs against one another. The other choices describe powers the national government had (A, B) or a representation problem that actually favored small states under the Articles (D).