SAQs for APUSH Topic 3.7 — The Articles of Confederation

Six questions designed to help students review for the annual exam and that relate to a document that sought to establish a “firm league of friendship” between and among the 13 states and that served as the first constitution of the United States of America.

1. After declaring independence, American political leaders created the Articles of Confederation, a constitution that sought to unify the newly independent states and create a central government with limited power. The U.S. Constitution that was written nearly a decade after the Articles of Confederation were written also sought to create a central government with limited power. Briefly describe one major difference between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.
2. After the Revolution, difficulties over internal unrest led to calls for a stronger central government. Shays Rebellion is evidence in support of this claim. Briefly describe one piece of evidence in support of this claim.
3. After the Revolution, difficulties over interstate commerce led to calls for a stronger central government. Name and briefly describe one piece of evidence in support of this claim.
4. Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event represents an accomplishment of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.
5. Briefly explain ONE specific argument critics used in the 1780s to support revising the Articles of Confederation.
6. Briefly explain ONE specific way in which the United States Constitution addresses a criticism of the Articles of Confederation.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation vs. The Constituion

Shays Rebellion

The Articles of Confederation and Shays Rebellion

The Northwest Ordinance

The Northwest Ordinance