A) Declaration of Independence INCORRECT The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, primarily announced the colonies' separation from Great Britain and articulated the philosophical principles of natural rights and government by consent. It does not establish a system of government or outline the distribution of powers between national and state authorities. While it is a foundational document, it does not reflect the principle of federalism, which is a structural feature of a constitution.
B) Articles of Confederation INCORRECT The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, created a weak central government and a loose confederation of sovereign states. It did not establish a true federal system because the national government lacked essential powers, such as the ability to tax or regulate commerce, and states retained most authority. This document was replaced by the U.S. Constitution precisely because it failed to create an effective federal structure.
C) U.S. Constitution CORRECT The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, is the supreme law of the land and explicitly establishes federalism by dividing powers between the national and state governments. It outlines the enumerated powers of Congress, reserves powers to the states via the Tenth Amendment, and provides for concurrent powers. This structure ensures a balance of authority and is a defining feature of American governance, making the Constitution the clearest reflection of the principle of federalism.
D) Mayflower Compact INCORRECT The Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620, was an agreement among Pilgrims to form a self-governing community based on majority rule. It was a social contract that established a civil body politic but did not address the division of powers between different levels of government. It is an early example of self-government in the colonies but does not reflect the principle of federalism as later embodied in the U.S. Constitution.
