Which early political document aimed to organize the newly independent American colonies?

The Articles of Confederation were the first formal government framework adopted by the newly independent American colonies after declaring their independence from Britain. Ratified in 1781, this document was designed to create a unifying structure for the states while ensuring their individual sovereignty. It provided the foundational governance and addressed issues such as the operation of the Continental Congress, state representation, and the coordination of military efforts during the Revolutionary War.

The Articles created a loose alliance of states rather than a strong central government, reflecting the colonies' wariness of centralized authority due to their experiences under British rule. This approach aimed at facilitating cooperation among the states, laying the groundwork for eventual unity and the later transition to the U.S. Constitution, which addressed the weaknesses inherent in the Articles.

In contrast, other options like The Federalist Papers were written to support the ratification of the Constitution rather than organizing the colonies initially. The Bill of Rights established specific protections for individual liberties after the Constitution was adopted, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man emerged from the French Revolution, unrelated to the context of American independence. Thus, the Articles of Confederation stand out as the essential document in organizing the new nation at that critical juncture in history.