Which document provided an outline for a state-centered government?

The Articles of Confederation serve as the document that provided an outline for a state-centered government. Established in 1781, the Articles represented the first governing document of the United States and emphasized the autonomy of individual states over a central authority. The structure it created consisted of a loose alliance of states, each retaining its sovereignty and independence.

Under the Articles, the central government was limited in power and lacked the ability to impose taxes or enforce laws effectively, leading to challenges in governance and coordination between states. This reflection of state authority contrasted sharply with later documents, such as the Constitution, which established a stronger federal government with more centralized powers.

The other choices do not primarily focus on outlining a state-centered government. The Federalist Papers were written to argue for the ratification of the Constitution, promoting a stronger national government. The Bill of Rights is a set of amendments that safeguard individual liberties and does not outline a governmental structure. Common Sense is a pamphlet advocating for independence from Britain rather than focusing on the intricacies of government structure. Thus, the Articles of Confederation uniquely delineate a framework rooted in state sovereignty.