Read this definition of a confederation: a group of states that ally to form a political unit in which they keep most of their Independence but act together for purposes such as defense Which statement best describes why the early United States was a confederation? The states approved a constitution to limit the power of the central government. The central govermment consisted of a monarchy that the states overthrew. The states all had considerable power, and a weak central government handled only certain issues. The powerful central government allowed the states to have notable sovereignty.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the statement that best describes why the early United States was a confederation. A confederation, as defined in the problem, is a group of states that come together to form a political unit, but each state retains most of its independence and acts together for specific purposes such as defense.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to evaluate each of the given options in light of this definition.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A suggests that the states approved a constitution to limit the power of the central government. This does not align with the definition of a confederation, as it implies a strong central government, which is not characteristic of a confederation.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B suggests that the central government consisted of a monarchy that the states overthrew. This is not accurate, as the early United States did not have a monarchy.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C suggests that the states all had considerable power, and a weak central government handled only certain issues. This aligns with the definition of a confederation, as it implies that each state retains most of its independence and the central government handles only specific issues.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D suggests that the powerful central government allowed the states to have notable sovereignty. This is not accurate, as a confederation implies a weak central government, not a powerful one.