Questions: According to the lesson, the Articles did the minimum that was needed at the time: created a government; established the U.S. as independent and sovereign

The answer is B: created a government; established the U.S. as independent and sovereign.

Explanation for each option:

A. Created a centralized system; declared independence - This is incorrect because the Articles of Confederation did not create a centralized system. Instead, they established a weak central government with limited powers, emphasizing state sovereignty. The Declaration of Independence, not the Articles, declared independence.

B. Created a government; established the U.S. as independent and sovereign - This is correct. The Articles of Confederation created the first government of the United States and recognized the U.S. as an independent and sovereign nation. They served as the first constitution of the United States, outlining the functions of the national government after independence from Britain.

C. United the states into a unitary country; prevented autonomy - This is incorrect because the Articles of Confederation did not create a unitary country. Instead, they maintained the autonomy of the individual states and created a confederation where the states retained most of their independence and power.

D. Created a bill of rights; established a federal system - This is incorrect because the Articles of Confederation did not include a bill of rights, nor did they establish a federal system. The federal system was established later with the U.S. Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation.