The most accurate assessment of the success or failure of the Articles of Confederation (AOC) in protecting the country from war is:
"Under the AOC, the federal government had the power to declare war but could not effectively protect the country because it did not have an army, so it was a failure."
This response highlights the limitations of the AOC, specifically its inability to maintain a standing army or effectively coordinate military efforts, leading to challenges in defending the nation against both internal and external threats. The lack of a centralized military authority and reliance on state militias contributed to its ineffectiveness in protection during times of conflict.