Noah Webster saw the fundamental problem in the Articles of Confederation as that states would always work in their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole. This reflects his concern about the inability of the confederation to maintain unity and enforce collective action among states, leading to a weak central government.
So long as any individual state has power to defeat the measures of the other twelve, our pretended union is but a name, and our confederation, a cobweb.
—Noah Webster
What fundamental problem did Noah Webster see in the Articles of Confederation?
(1 point)
Responses
that states would always work in their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole
that states would always work in their own self-interest even if it meant harm to the nation as a whole
that the central government would always favor large states over the smaller states when disputes broke out
that the central government would always favor large states over the smaller states when disputes broke out
that small states would have just as much say in the government as larger states
that small states would have just as much say in the government as larger states
that the states would have no way to stop the central government from imposing harsh taxes on them
that the states would have no way to stop the central government from imposing harsh taxes on them
11 answers
What did the Northwest Ordinance outlaw in the Northwest Territory?
(1 point)
Responses
religious freedom
religious freedom
slavery
slavery
trial by jury
trial by jury
admission of new states
admission of new states
(1 point)
Responses
religious freedom
religious freedom
slavery
slavery
trial by jury
trial by jury
admission of new states
admission of new states
The Northwest Ordinance outlawed slavery in the Northwest Territory. This legislation established a framework for governance and ensured certain rights, while specifically prohibiting the institution of slavery in the newly designated territories.
Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.
—Articles of Confederation, Article II
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
According to the excerpt, who had more power under the Articles of Confederation?
(1 point)
Responses
It gave the majority of the power to the national government, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the national government, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the British monarchy, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the British monarchy, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the Congress, and limited the power of individual states.
—Articles of Confederation, Article II
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
According to the excerpt, who had more power under the Articles of Confederation?
(1 point)
Responses
It gave the majority of the power to the national government, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the national government, and limited the power of individual states.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the British monarchy, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the British monarchy, and limited the power of the national government.
It gave the majority of the power to the Congress, and limited the power of individual states.
According to the excerpt, it gave the majority of the power to the individual states, and limited the power of the national government. The passage emphasizes that each state retains its sovereignty and rights not expressly delegated to the national government, indicating a preference for state power over national authority under the Articles of Confederation.
What are some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that caused the need for a new and stronger federal government that the framers outlined in the Constitution? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
how to resolve disputes between states over land
how to resolve disputes between states over land
differences in opinions on how to establish a federal educational system
differences in opinions on how to establish a federal educational system
confusion over different state currency
confusion over different state currency
how to set up reserved land for Native Americans
(1 point)
Responses
how to resolve disputes between states over land
how to resolve disputes between states over land
differences in opinions on how to establish a federal educational system
differences in opinions on how to establish a federal educational system
confusion over different state currency
confusion over different state currency
how to set up reserved land for Native Americans
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that contributed to the need for a new and stronger federal government outlined in the Constitution include:
- how to resolve disputes between states over land
- confusion over different state currency
These issues, among others, highlighted the limitations of a weak central government and led to the desire for a more effective federal system. The other options listed, while relevant to governance, were not primary weaknesses that prompted the constitutional changes.
Which of the following was one important contribution made by Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention?
(1 point)
Responses
He called for an end to the Articles of Confederation.
He called for an end to the Articles of Confederation.
He is known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
He is known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
He made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution.
He made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution.
He was the mastermind behind the Great Compromise.
(1 point)
Responses
He called for an end to the Articles of Confederation.
He called for an end to the Articles of Confederation.
He is known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
He is known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
He made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution.
He made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution.
He was the mastermind behind the Great Compromise.
The important contribution made by Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention was he made a plea to delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution. Franklin was instrumental in persuading delegates to support the new Constitution, emphasizing the need for unity and compromise.
What effect did the Three-Fifths Compromise have on Southern states?
(1 point)
Responses
It helped increase the number of slaves traded.
It helped increase the number of slaves traded.
It gave the South the power to outvote the North.
It gave the South the power to outvote the North.
It limited the number of states that allowed slavery.
It limited the number of states that allowed slavery.
It gave those states more representation in Congress.
(1 point)
Responses
It helped increase the number of slaves traded.
It helped increase the number of slaves traded.
It gave the South the power to outvote the North.
It gave the South the power to outvote the North.
It limited the number of states that allowed slavery.
It limited the number of states that allowed slavery.
It gave those states more representation in Congress.
The effect of the Three-Fifths Compromise on Southern states was it gave those states more representation in Congress. The compromise determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted when apportioning representation and taxation, which increased the political power of Southern states in the House of Representatives relative to their free population.