Solving the Problems the Articles of Confederation

Several different problems existed under the Articles of Confederation, and the solutions to these problems were presented and debated during the Constitutional Convention. By creating a spider chart, students will be able to visualize and summarize these issues and their outcomes.

In this activity, students will summarize and explain the several problems that existed under the Articles of Confederation as well as how divisions arose in finding a solution. Students will be able to explain and analyze the problems of a weak federal government, and how early politicians aimed to correct them and preserve the new nation.

Some suggested topics include

• Divisions at the Convention
• Amending the Articles
• Structure of Government
• The Virginia Plan
• The New Jersey Plan
• The Great Compromise

Extended Activity

Have students create a spider map or a character map about figures who participated in the Constitutional Convention. Students should detail who they were, their ideas, and where they stood on the status of federal government. Students could also detail their beliefs on state governments.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that describes and illustrates the various debates during and compromises that came out of the Constitutional Convention.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the title boxes, enter the issue or compromise.
3. In the descriptions, summarize the issue or compromise and the outcome.
4. Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
5. Save and exit when you're done.