Articles of Confederation Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Answers

The concern regarding the loss of independence under the Articles of Confederation stemmed from the fear that a strong central government could encroach upon the rights and autonomy of individual states. The Articles established a confederation in which the states retained significant sovereignty and independence; however, there was apprehension that any attempts to strengthen the federal government could undermine this independence. Many individuals valued their state's ability to govern itself and feared that a stronger centralized authority might lead to a decrease in local self-determination and an overreach of federal power. This was particularly significant in the context of the political climate following the American Revolution, where the desire to prevent tyranny and maintain liberties was a fundamental principle.

In contrast, excessive taxation, increased military drafts, and international isolation were concerns that did exist, but they were secondary to the primary apprehension about maintaining the balance of power between state and federal authority. The overarching fear was that greater federal power could threaten the independence that the states had fought to secure against the British crown.