Unity & Upheaval

Worksheet Description

This worksheet centers on the rationale and objectives behind the Articles of Confederation during the formative years of the United States. It describes the Articles as the first constitution that aimed to bind the thirteen colonies together in governance after the Revolutionary War, focusing on shared governance while maintaining state sovereignty. The worksheet highlights the desire for a cooperative union that contrasted with the overreach experienced under British rule, seeking to balance the newfound autonomy with a united front. However, it also notes the inefficiencies and challenges that surfaced from such a decentralized approach.

The worksheet is designed to teach students the foundational goals of the Articles of Confederation and the context in which they were created. It educates on how the Articles sought to unify the states under a collective government while avoiding the pitfalls of a distant monarchy. Students will learn about the complications of such a loose federation, especially regarding economic cooperation and defense. The lesson also points out how the inherent limitations of the Articles served as a catalyst for the drafting of the more robust U.S. Constitution, providing a historical perspective on the evolution of American government.