Question

how would a patriot suspicious of british tyranny most likely have viewed the government under the articles of confederation?

a.) unfavorably, because it placed too much power in the hands of a chief executive

b.) unfavorably, because it did not provide every state with representation in congress

c.) favorably, because the national taxes imposed by the articles erased the national debt

d.) favorably, because it united the states enough to win the war for independence

Explanation:

Analyze the perspective of a patriot suspicious of British tyranny

A patriot suspicious of British tyranny would deeply fear a strong, centralized authority (like the British monarchy and Parliament). Consequently, their primary goal during and immediately after the American Revolution was to establish a decentralized system of government that protected local liberties and state sovereignty, reflecting their commitment to Republicanism.

Evaluate the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation established a highly decentralized national government with no independent executive branch and no power to levy national taxes directly. This weak structure was intentionally designed to prevent any central authority from becoming tyrannical.

Assess the given options

• a.) Unfavorably, because it placed too much power in the hands of a chief executive: Incorrect. The Articles of Confederation did not even establish a chief executive, precisely to avoid concentrated power.
• b.) Unfavorably, because it did not provide every state with representation in Congress: Incorrect. Under the Articles, every state had representation in the unicameral Continental Congress (each state had one vote).
• c.) Favorably, because the national taxes imposed by the Articles erased the national debt: Incorrect. The national government under the Articles did not have the power to impose taxes directly and struggled heavily with national debt.
• d.) Favorably, because it united the states enough to win the war for independence: Correct. Despite its structural weaknesses, patriots who feared centralized tyranny viewed the Articles favorably because they successfully coordinated the war effort and secured independence without creating a powerful, oppressive central state.

Answer:

• a.) Unfavorably, because it placed too much power in the hands of a chief executive
• b.) Unfavorably, because it did not provide every state with representation in Congress
• c.) Favorably, because the national taxes imposed by the Articles erased the national debt
• d.) Favorably, because it united the states enough to win the war for independence (Correct answer)