Primary Sources: George Washington criticizes the Articles of Confederation, 1785

Last updated 11 months ago

3 questions

Note from the author:

Read the passage Primary Sources: George Washington criticizes the Articles of Confederation, 1785. Then answer the questions below.

Instructions

Read the passage Primary Sources: George Washington criticizes the Articles of Confederation, 1785. Then answer the questions below.

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Primary Sources: George Washington criticizes the Articles of Confederation, 1785

Last updated 11 months ago

3 questions

Note from the author:

Read the passage Primary Sources: George Washington criticizes the Articles of Confederation, 1785. Then answer the questions below.

Instructions

Read the passage Primary Sources: George Washington criticizes the Articles of Confederation, 1785. Then answer the questions below.

Required

Question 1

What was George Washington's primary purpose in writing this letter to James Warren in 1785?

to express his satisfaction with the existing system of government in the United States

to argue that the Articles of Confederation were an effective framework for governing the nation

to advocate for a strict policy of isolationism and limited foreign trade

to highlight the need for a stronger central government and the inadequacies of the existing system

Required

Question 2

Which quotes from the source BEST represent Washington's critiques of the Articles of Confederation?

"But while these resources are barely applied or not applied at all, we injure the public's faith and we shall sink into contempt in the eyes of Europe."

"However, I fear we do not have enough wisdom or justice to take full advantage of the opportunities we now have."

"These rulers are the creatures of our making, appointed for a limited time, and are responsible for every action. And they are recallable at any moment."

"To me, it seems a serious political mistake that we should join together as a nation, and be afraid to give the rulers of that nation enough power to order and direct national affairs."

"Therefore, it is our responsibility to determine how best to regulate this trade... this task cannot be done by 13 different heads."

Required

Question 3

Drag each statement to the correct box to show whether George Washington would likely agree or disagree.

The Articles of Confederation is too weak; the central government must be able to make decisions for the nation.
A stronger central government would better promote unity and trade amongst the states.
The Articles of Confederation is too strong; states must be given more authority than the central government.
A stronger central government is dangerous; the Articles of Confederation are adequate to protect our liberty.

Agree
Disagree

Question 1

What was George Washington's primary purpose in writing this letter to James Warren in 1785?

to express his satisfaction with the existing system of government in the United States

to argue that the Articles of Confederation were an effective framework for governing the nation

to advocate for a strict policy of isolationism and limited foreign trade

to highlight the need for a stronger central government and the inadequacies of the existing system

Question 2

Which quotes from the source BEST represent Washington's critiques of the Articles of Confederation?

"But while these resources are barely applied or not applied at all, we injure the public's faith and we shall sink into contempt in the eyes of Europe."

"However, I fear we do not have enough wisdom or justice to take full advantage of the opportunities we now have."

"These rulers are the creatures of our making, appointed for a limited time, and are responsible for every action. And they are recallable at any moment."

"To me, it seems a serious political mistake that we should join together as a nation, and be afraid to give the rulers of that nation enough power to order and direct national affairs."

"Therefore, it is our responsibility to determine how best to regulate this trade... this task cannot be done by 13 different heads."

Question 3

Drag each statement to the correct box to show whether George Washington would likely agree or disagree.

The Articles of Confederation is too weak; the central government must be able to make decisions for the nation.
A stronger central government would better promote unity and trade amongst the states.
The Articles of Confederation is too strong; states must be given more authority than the central government.
A stronger central government is dangerous; the Articles of Confederation are adequate to protect our liberty.

Agree
Disagree