What best summarizes the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation is best summarized as the first constitution of the United States. It was established in 1781, serving as the initial framework for the national government following independence from Great Britain. The Articles created a league of friendship among the states, allowing them to operate with a degree of autonomy while attempting to unite them under a central authority.

This document outlined a system where the national government had limited powers, primarily focused on defense and foreign affairs, while leaving most authority with individual states. It was pivotal in the early development of the United States, although its weaknesses eventually led to the drafting of the United States Constitution in 1787. The other choices do not accurately capture the significance or purpose of the Articles as the first governing document of the country.