What were the original 13 states?

The original 13 states refer to the colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and formed the United States. The states listed in the correct choice—New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut—are indeed among those first states.

Each of these states played a significant role during the American Revolution and in the formation of the country. New Hampshire was the first to declare independence on January 5, 1776, and Massachusetts is notable for events such as the Boston Tea Party. Rhode Island was known for its strong stance on religious freedom, while Connecticut contributed to the early governance of the nation with its Fundamental Orders, often regarded as the first written constitution that created a government.

The other choices include states that were not part of the original group. California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Nevada were either created or added to the Union significantly later, long after the original 13 colonies had already established their governance and independence from British rule.