Question

All bills of credit emitted, monies borrowed and debts contracted by, or under the authority of congress, before the assembling of the united states, in pursuance of the present confederation, shall be deemed and considered as a charge against the united states, for payment and satisfaction whereof the said united states, and the public faith are hereby solemnly pledged.

—Articles of Confederation, Article XII

The main goal of this Article is to

A. provide funding for public services and the running of the central government.
B. place the responsibility of financing the central government on the states.
C. prevent the nation from collapsing from debt.
D. ensure the government had financial power and authority over the individual states.

Answer 1

The correct answer to the student's question is C. The goal was to prevent the nation from collapsing from debt

Step-by-step explanation:

The main goal of Article XII of the Articles of Confederation is to reassure both domestic and international creditors that debts incurred before the formal establishment of the United States under the current confederation would be honored. This assurance is crucial for maintaining the financial credibility of the nation in its infancy. The public faith and commitment of the United States to these obligations were deemed essential for the operation of government and diplomacy. It foreshadowed the provisions in the Constitution about the national government assuming the debts of the Confederation, which were further emphasized by Alexander Hamilton's policy to ensure the country's ability to borrow money effectively for its sustainability and growth.

These actions communicated to other nations and potential lenders that the United States would uphold its financial responsibilities. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is C. The goal was to prevent the nation from collapsing from debt and to ensure that the United States was seen as a reliable entity that would fulfill its financial commitments.