Final answer:
The quote in question refers to the Articles of Confederation, which established a confederation of sovereign states and a national government with limited powers.Option D is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote "...a firm league of friendship with each other..." refers to the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States, adopted during the American Revolution. It created a confederation of states that were united for certain purposes, but with most of the government power remaining with the individual states. As such, the national government under the Articles had limited ability to enforce laws or collect taxes, which eventually led to the drafting of a new constitution.
The quote "a firm league of friendship with each other" encapsulates the essence of the Articles of Confederation, the initial constitution of the United States amid the American Revolution. Formed to unite states for common goals, it decentralized power, granting substantial autonomy to individual states. However, this structure proved inefficient, as the central government lacked authority to enforce laws or levy taxes. Recognizing these flaws, a new constitution was drafted, leading to the establishment of a more robust federal system that addressed the limitations of the Articles of Confederation and fostered a stronger, more centralized union.