What was a major goal of the Articles of Confederation?

• A. To create a strong central government
• B. To organize American territories in the West
• C. To establish an executive branch
• D. To foster cooperation among states

Answer: (D)

A major goal of the Articles of Confederation was to foster cooperation among the states. After gaining independence from Britain, there was a significant concern about maintaining sovereignty and ensuring that the individual states retained their autonomy. The Articles of Confederation were crafted to create a system where the states could work together for mutual benefit while minimizing the power of a central authority.

This focus on cooperation was crucial in addressing common interests such as defense, trade, and diplomatic relations. The confederation aimed to ensure that states could coordinate efforts, especially when facing external threats or negotiating terms with foreign nations.

In contrast, the Articles intentionally established a weak central government to avoid the issues that had been experienced under British rule, which is why options suggesting a strong central government or establishing an executive branch don't align with the original intentions behind the Articles. The organization of territories in the West was an important aspect of American expansion, but it wasn't the primary goal of the Articles themselves.