Question

select the correct answer.

which sentence best describes the effect of the articles of confederation on the government?

it granted sovereignty to each state.
it created a powerful central government.
it limited individual freedoms.
it promoted a strong national economy.

Explanation:

Analyze the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States. Having just escaped British tyranny, the founders feared a strong central authority. Consequently, they established a weak national government and left most power to the individual states.

Evaluate state sovereignty

Under the Articles, each state retained its sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The national government had no power to draft soldiers, levy taxes directly, or regulate commerce between states. This structure made the states virtually independent nations.

Assess the incorrect options

• "It created a powerful central government" is incorrect because the central government was intentionally kept weak.
• "It limited individual freedoms" is incorrect because the Articles did not focus on restricting personal liberties.
• "It promoted a strong national economy" is incorrect because the lack of federal taxation and uniform currency weakened the national economy.

Determine the correct choice

The primary effect of the Articles of Confederation was that it granted sovereignty to each individual state, leaving the national government weak and decentralized.

Answer:

• It granted sovereignty to each state. (Correct answer)
• It created a powerful central government.
• It limited individual freedoms.
• It promoted a strong national economy.