Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation in order to

Rationale

create a central government that gave primary authority to the states.

The Articles of Confederation were designed to create a weak central government, prioritizing state sovereignty and authority. This structure reflected the colonists' fear of centralized power, as they sought to ensure that states retained significant control over their own affairs.

A (establish a judicial branch to check the authority of the legislature) YOUR ANSWER

The Articles of Confederation did not establish a separate judicial branch. In fact, the absence of a national judiciary contributed to problems in resolving disputes between states and enforcing laws, which ultimately highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles.

B (form a government with a powerful executive branch) YOUR ANSWER

The Articles intentionally created a limited executive branch, lacking the power to enforce laws or levy taxes. The framers were wary of a strong executive, fearing it could lead to tyranny similar to British rule. This choice directly contradicts the intent of the Articles.

C (establish a bill of rights to protect citizens against the abuses of government) YOUR ANSWER

While a bill of rights is essential in a government aimed at protecting individual freedoms, the Articles of Confederation did not include such a document. The focus was primarily on maintaining state authority rather than outlining individual rights, which was addressed later in the U.S. Constitution.

Conclusion

The Articles of Confederation were crafted to create a central government that conferred significant authority to the states, reflecting the historical context of American independence and a desire to prevent tyranny. This arrangement meant that while the national government could coordinate among states, it lacked the strength to effectively govern, leading to the eventual realization that a more balanced constitution was necessary to unify the nation.

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