Final answer:
The first plan of government for the newly independent thirteen states, adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, was the Articles of Confederation. It was a weak plan, fearing a strong central government. This led to the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787 and 1789 respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first plan of government for the newly independent thirteen states, adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, was called the Articles of Confederation. This document served as the first written constitution which was drafted in 1776-1777 and ratified by all thirteen colonies in 1781. It created a "league of friendship" among the states with a weak central government, a reflection of the colonists' fear of a strong central authority that would be reminiscent of British rule. However, the Articles of Confederation had many weaknesses such as the inability of the federal government to impose taxes or control foreign policy. Therefore, in 1787, delegates drafted the new U.S. Constitution to address these issues, which was eventually adopted in 1789, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
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