Final answer:
In the late 1700s, America's system of government was a confederation as per the Articles of Confederation, which led to states being powerful and the central government being weak.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1700s, America adopted a system of government known as a confederation. This system was characterized by a weak central authority, with most powers residing with the state or provincial governments. Under the Articles of Confederation, which was the first constitution of the United States, states were sovereign and had the right to maintain their own military forces, print money, and make treaties with other nations.
However, the lack of a strong central government under the confederation proved problematic, and as a result, the founding fathers eventually created a federal system when drafting the current U.S. Constitution. The choice that correctly identifies this system of government from the question's options is a. confederation.