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Lesson

Effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation

Guiding question

What challenges did the new nation face after gaining independence?

Grade
6–8
Published
Jul 6, 2025
A close-up of a pocket watch displaying intricate gears and Roman numerals on a white face.

Founding Principles

Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances

Guiding Questions

  • What challenges did the new nation face after gaining independence? 
  • How did the Articles of Confederation address these challenges? 

Objectives 

  • Students will analyze the major challenges faced by the U.S. after independence. 
  • Students will evaluate how the Articles of Confederation attempted to address the challenges.  

Materials

Student Resources:

Teacher Resources:

  • A set of 10 index cards (or sticky notes) for the optional engage activity 
  • A worksheet with 5 simple math problems, vocabulary definitions, or historical matching questions for the optional engage activity 

Lesson plan

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Standards

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