Final answer:
The initial attempt by the American colonists to establish an independent government was the Articles of Confederation. However, they proved to be ineffective in governing the new country, leading to the drafting and adoption of the Constitution of the United States in 1787.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial attempt by the American colonists to establish an independent government was the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781 and created a weak central government with limited powers. However, they proved to be ineffective in governing the new country, leading to the drafting and adoption of the Constitution of the United States in 1787.