Question

choose the best answer.

the ___ was the first document to create an association of the states for their mutual protection and governance.

massachusetts plan
declaration of independence
articles of confederation

Explanation:

The Massachusetts Plan was a proposal for state governance, not a national interstate association document. The Declaration of Independence formally severed ties with Britain but did not establish a governing association of states. The Articles of Confederation was the first U.S. document that created a unified association of states focused on mutual protection and collective governance.

Answer:

Articles of Confederation