Final answer:
The Albany Plan was a proposal for colonial unity to address collective defense against French threats, which influenced later American governmental structures. The correct interpretation of the Albany Plan is that the colonies needed to unite or risk defeat by the French.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of the Albany Plan was a proposal to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies, suggested by Benjamin Franklin at the Albany Congress in 1754. Under the plan, there would be a 'grand council' made up of representatives from each colony and a president-general appointed by the Crown. The aim was to organize collective defense and Indian affairs; however, the plan was rejected due to fears among colonies that it would erode their individual powers. Nevertheless, the Albany Plan of Union was significant as it laid the groundwork for later forms of government, influencing the Articles of Confederation and ultimately the U.S. Constitution.
The correct option among the ones provided for the question, "What was the meaning of the Albany Plan?" is that the colonies needed to work together as one or risk defeat by the French.