Answer:
C) the states all had considerable power, and a weak central government handled only certain issues
Step-by-step explanation:
The early United States was a confederation because it was formed by the union or alliance of sovereign and independent states that united themselves together for certain purposes (such as common defense) and that established a weak central government to handle certain issues.
Under this system of government, the states retained most of the power while the government, which consisted of a Congress only, had few powers such as the ability to declare war (although it was not authorized to draft soldiers), appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, manage relations with Indians, and raise money by asking the states for funds (which had the option to reject the request), borrowing from foreign governments, or selling western lands.