Which document served as a precursor to the Constitution, creating a loose union of states?

• A. The Constitution
• B. The Federalist Papers
• C. The Articles of Confederation
• D. The Bill of Rights

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is what document first established a national framework while giving most authority to the states, a structure others later built on. The Articles of Confederation did exactly that: it created a loose union of states—often described as a confederation—where the central government was intentionally weak and states retained sovereignty. Under this arrangement Congress had limited powers (like handling foreign affairs and war) but could not tax or regulate trade, and there was no separate executive or national judiciary. This arrangement showed the need for a stronger, more effective national government, which led to writing the current Constitution.

The Constitution came later as the replacement and replacement framework; the Federalist Papers are essays arguing for its ratification, and the Bill of Rights are amendments added to the Constitution, not precursors.