Strengths & Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Teacher Guide
In this activity, students will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the government
formed under the Articles of Confederation.
Materials/Preparation
● Strengths and Weakness of the Articles of Confederation - Teacher Statement
Sheet (1 copy for teacher)
● Strengths and Weakness of the Articles of Confederation - Teacher Answer Key
(1 copy for teacher)
● “Strength” and “Weakness” cards (1 sheet per student)
● Thick popsicle sticks or wooden rulers
● Scotch tape, glue sticks, or a stapler
Suggested Procedures
1. To prepare for the activity, print and make copies of the “Strength” and
“Weakness” cards (1 sheet per student). Students should cut along the solid
black lines and fold along the dotted line. Use a popsicle stick or ruler to create a
handle for the sign, and secure it with Scotch tape, glue, or staples.
○ If you prefer to save paper, simply have your students use their own hands
to indicate “strength” (thumbs-up) and “weakness” (thumbs-down).
Alternatively, you can post signs with the words “Strength” and
“Weakness” on opposite ends of the room.
2. Read each of the statements from the Strengths and Weakness of the Articles of
Confederation sheet aloud, one-by-one. Have students use their “Strength” and
“Weakness” signs to evaluate whether each statement represents a strength or a
weakness of the government formed under the Articles of Confederation.
3. For each statement, call on a student volunteer to explain his or her thinking. If a
statement receives both “strength” and “weakness” votes, have two students of
opposing viewpoints explain their thinking.
The U.S. Constitution