Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

Which statement best defines the Articles of Confederation?

1. A strong federal governance structure

2. A loose agreement between states

3. A document granting slaves rights

4. A constitution for state governments only

The correct answer is: A loose agreement between states

The statement that best defines the Articles of Confederation is a loose agreement between states. The Articles were established as the first governing document of the United States after gaining independence from Great Britain. They created a decentralized system of government that prioritized the sovereignty and autonomy of individual states over a strong central authority. Under the Articles, the federal government was intentionally weak, having limited powers that included conducting foreign affairs and making treaties, while states retained most of their powers. The document lacked the authority to impose taxes or regulate commerce, which ultimately led to challenges in governance and prompted calls for a stronger federal system. This distinction as a loose agreement emphasizes the collaborative nature of the states while highlighting the inherent limitations of the Articles in creating a cohesive national government.