What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation served the critical purpose of establishing a federal government during the American Revolution. Created in 1781, it aimed to unify the thirteen original states and facilitate cooperation in the war effort against Britain. The Articles provided a framework for governance by vesting significant powers in a national congress, allowing it to conduct foreign affairs, manage wars, and regulate relations with Native American tribes. However, the Articles intentionally limited central authority to avoid the kind of tyranny experienced under British rule.

By focusing on the need for a collective decision-making body during a period of crisis, the Articles were instrumental in coordinating resources and support among the states, despite their eventual inadequacies that led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary intention behind the Articles, as they emphasize a strong federal government, judicial powers, or documentation of rights, which were secondary considerations in this early governance structure.