Foundations of American Democracy · 1600 – 1791

The Articles of Confederation: A Failed Experiment

Examining the weaknesses of the first US government and the crises, like Shays' Rebellion, that led to the Constitutional Convention.

Key Questions

  1. 1Why were the early Americans so fearful of a strong central government?
  2. 2Could the Articles have been fixed, or was a total rewrite necessary?
  3. 3How does a weak central government impact national security and economic stability?

Common Core State Standards

C3: D2.Civ.4.9-12C3: D2.His.16.9-12
Grade: 12th Grade
Subject: Government & Economics
Unit: Foundations of American Democracy
Period: 1600 – 1791

Ready to teach this topic?

Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.

Browse curriculum by country

AmericasUSCAMXCLCOBR
Asia & PacificINSGAU