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From the Articles to the Constitution is a free printable Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies worksheet on why the Articles failed and the Constitution replaced them, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D2.Civ.3.3-5. It prints 7 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 5 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

From the Articles to the Constitution

D2.Civ.3.3-5

NameDate

Number the events in order, then circle the right answers.

1.Number these causes and effects in order.
  • Farmers angry about debts and taxes rebel in Massachusetts
  • Congress cannot pay its soldiers or its debts
  • Leaders call a convention to make a stronger government
  • Under the Articles, Congress cannot collect taxes
2.Why did Shays' Rebellion worry leaders such as George Washington?
  • A.It showed the army was too large
  • B.It proved the Articles were working well
  • C.It showed the national government was too weak to keep order
3.What was the first plan of government for the United States?
  • A.The Articles of Confederation
  • B.The Mayflower Compact
  • C.The Bill of Rights
4.Under the Articles, which power did Congress lack?
  • A.The power to declare war
  • B.The power to collect taxes
  • C.The power to make treaties
5.On what date was the Constitution signed?
  • A.September 17, 1787
  • B.December 15, 1791
  • C.July 4, 1776
6.What do the Constitution's first words, "We the People," show?
  • A.The government's power comes from the people
  • B.Only Congress could vote
  • C.The king still ruled the states
7.How many states had to agree to change the Articles?
  • A.All 13 states
  • B.Only the largest state
  • C.Seven of the 13 states

LessonPrint · D2.Civ.3.3-5 · Set 5 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — From the Articles to the Constitution

Set 5. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Correct order: 4, 2, 1, 3
  2. 2.It showed the national government was too weak to keep order
  3. 3.The Articles of Confederation
  4. 4.The power to collect taxes
  5. 5.September 17, 1787
  6. 6.The government's power comes from the people
  7. 7.All 13 states

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to D2.Civ.3.3-5 of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.