d) Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as America’s first constitution post-independence. This document outlined a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, reflecting the colonies’ wariness of centralized power. The Articles granted limited powers to the federal government, primarily in foreign affairs and war. However, its weaknesses, like the inability to levy taxes or regulate commerce, soon became apparent. This period under the Articles was crucial in demonstrating the need for a stronger national government, eventually leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The Articles of Confederation thus represent an important, albeit flawed, step in the evolution of American governance.