Which statement about the Articles of Confederation is true? A: They were the first constitution of the United States, and they united the newly independent states under a national government with limited power.

B: 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.

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

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