Final answer:
The Articles of Confederation were the first national constitution of the United States, creating a weak federal government with most powers vested in the states, which led to challenges in governance and their eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Articles of Confederation were indeed a. It was the first national constitution of the United States. Drafted in 1777 and ratified by 1781, the Articles represented the nation's initial attempt at a unified government post-Independence.
Under the Articles, the United States of America was essentially a confederation where the federal government had limited powers, with the majority of power residing with the individual states. The national government had no separate executive or judicial branches and could not enforce laws, tax, or regulate commerce effectively.
Reflecting the founders' wariness of a strong central authority, due to their experience with British rule, the Articles created a relatively weak federal government. The Confederation Congress, under the Articles, could manage foreign affairs, coin money, and make war or peace, but it relied on the states' cooperation and financial contributions.
The limitations and challenges of the Articles, such as the inability to enforce law or levy taxes, eventually led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where the U.S. Constitution was drafted, creating a stronger federal government structure and replacing the Articles by 1789. The correct option is a.