The correct answer is D) The protection of the rights of states.
The Articles of Confederation was America's first constitution after they became a seperate country free of British influence. One of the most important causes of America's split from Britain was a central government that did not listen to the needs/wants of the citizens. Many Americans viewed the British central government as tyrannical.
This is why when American delegates made the Articles of Confederation, they gave a significant amount of power to state governments. Giving states significant rights/control over their respective territory would help to prevent the creation of an overbearing central government.
