Which document was the first attempt at governing the United States and was ultimately deemed too weak?

The Articles of Confederation were indeed the first governing document of the United States, established in 1781. It created a framework for a national government that emphasized the sovereignty of individual states while providing a weak central authority. This arrangement was seen as limiting because Congress lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively.

The weaknesses of the Articles became apparent as the new nation faced various challenges, such as economic instability and interstate conflicts, which highlighted the inadequacies of the federal government to respond to these issues. As a result, the Articles of Confederation were deemed insufficient, leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the current Constitution was drafted to establish a stronger federal government.

The other documents in the choices serve different purposes: the Constitution is the foundational legal framework that replaced the Articles, the Declaration of Independence outlines the reasons for American independence from British rule, and the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, ensuring individual liberties. Each of these documents plays a significant role in American history, but the Articles of Confederation specifically represent the first formal attempt to govern the newly independent states.