3. Before the adoption of the Constitution, the newly independent states were joined by the*Magna CartaBill of RightsArticles of ConfederationMayflower Compact

Breaking Down the Problem

1. Identify the context: The question pertains to the governmental framework of the newly independent states before the Constitution was adopted.
2. Identify the options given: Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, Articles of Confederation, Mayflower Compact.

Relevant Concepts

1. Magna Carta: A charter signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the king and established certain legal rights.
2. Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.
3. Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which governed the country until the current Constitution was adopted.
4. Mayflower Compact: An agreement made by the Pilgrims in 1620 to create a self-governing colony.

Analysis and Detail

1. Magna Carta: While historically significant, it served more as a foundation for democracy than a governing document of the states post-independence.
2. Bill of Rights: This was enacted after the Constitution was established and thus not relevant to the question.
3. Articles of Confederation: This was indeed the governing document for the states before the Constitution was adopted, outlining a weak federal government that gave states individual powers.
4. Mayflower Compact: Important in colonial governance, but it was not a governing document for the independent states as a whole.

Verify and Summarize

After reviewing each option, it is clear that the Articles of Confederation served as the primary joining document for the newly independent states prior to the Constitution.

Final Answer

The correct answer is Articles of Confederation.