Question

prior to the ratification of the constitution, which of the following problems could have occurred in the united states due to the weaknesses of the articles of confederation?
a. concerned about growing opposition to his rule, the president enacted new laws outlawing criticism of the government and limiting the freedom of the press.
b. due to a costly war, the federal government raised personal income taxes so much that individuals were unable to afford basic necessities.
c. in order to protect its cotton industry, the state of georgia imposed a tariff on all agricultural goods imported from north carolina and south carolina.
d. because georgia had a small population, it had very little representation in the national legislature, leading many georgians to distrust the national government.

Explanation:

The Articles of Confederation had a weak central government. Under it, there was no executive branch (so no president as described in option A). The federal government under the Articles couldn't levy taxes (so option B is incorrect as it mentions a federal - level personal income tax which wasn't possible). Also, under the Articles, states had significant power, but tariffs between states (as in option C) were not a feature related to the weaknesses of the Articles in the context of pre - Constitution issues. Option D is related to representation. Under the Articles, each state had one vote in the Congress regardless of population. Georgia, being a state with a small population, would have less influence in the national legislature (Congress under the Articles), which could lead to distrust of the national government.

Answer:

D. Because Georgia had a small population, it had very little representation in the national legislature, leading many Georgians to distrust the national government.