Question 40

Create a central government that gave primary authority to the states

The Articles of Confederation were designed to create a central government that prioritized state authority, ensuring that the individual states retained significant power and autonomy. This structure aimed to balance the need for a unified government with the desire to avoid an overpowering central authority.

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 absence of a federal judiciary was one of the weaknesses of the Articles, as it limited the government's ability to enforce laws and resolve disputes between states.

B) form a government with a powerful executive branch

This option is also incorrect, as the Articles of Confederation intentionally minimized executive power. The framers were wary of a strong executive due to their experiences with British rule, leading to a government structure that lacked a centralized executive authority.

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

This choice is incorrect as well. The Articles of Confederation did not include a bill of rights. The focus was more on the relationship between the states and the central government rather than explicitly protecting individual liberties, which would later be addressed in the U.S. Constitution.

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

This option is correct. The Articles of Confederation were structured to create a central government that had limited powers, with most authority residing in the individual states. This was a reflection of the colonies' desire for independence and self-governance following their experiences under British rule.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D because the Articles of Confederation were fundamentally designed to ensure that state governments retained the majority of power while the central government had limited authority. Other options fail to accurately represent the structure and intent of the Articles, which sought to avoid centralization of power and protect state sovereignty.