Question 33

The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation to create a central government that gave primary authority to the states.

The Articles of Confederation were designed to establish a framework for governance that prioritized state sovereignty over a strong central authority. This approach was reflective of the colonists' experiences under British rule, leading them to prefer a system where states retained significant power.

A) establish a judicial branch to check the authority of the legislature

This option is incorrect because the Articles of Confederation did not establish a judicial branch. In fact, the lack of a formal judiciary was one of the weaknesses of the Articles, which resulted in difficulties in enforcing laws and resolving disputes between states.

B) form a government with a powerful executive branch

This is incorrect as well. The Articles of Confederation intentionally avoided creating a strong executive branch, as the framers feared centralized power. The government established under the Articles was predominantly legislative, with limited executive authority.

C) establish a bill of rights to protect citizens against the abuses of government

This option is also incorrect. While the protection of individual rights was a concern, the Articles of Confederation did not include a bill of rights. The focus was more on the autonomy of states rather than on a centralized document ensuring individual protections.

D) create a central government that gave primary authority to the states

This option is correct, as the Articles of Confederation were explicitly designed to create a weak central government, ensuring that the states retained the majority of power. This framework reflected the desire for state independence and limited federal authority.

Conclusion

The correct answer, option D, accurately reflects the intention behind the Articles of Confederation, which aimed to create a framework that empowered states at the expense of a strong central government. All other options misinterpret the fundamental nature of the Articles, highlighting their lack of judicial authority, executive power, and a bill of rights, thus reinforcing the states' primary authority.