Which statement about the Articles of Confederation is true?


They established the United States as a protectorate of Great Britain, capable of creating its own laws but relying on the British armed forces to defend it.


They were the first constitution of the United States, and they united the newly independent states under a national government with limited power.


They officially announced the independence of the United States and started the Revolutionary War.


They created a national government that was much stronger than any individual state governments, which led many citizens to call for stronger state governments.