Which statement correctly describes a proposal in the Petition of Congress at the First Continental Congress?

• A. The colonies should maintain their own militias.
• B. The colonies should declare independence immediately.
• C. The colonies should abandon self-government.
• D. The colonies should seek a trade alliance with France.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining their own militias reflects the petitions aim to defend colonial rights and self-government within a loose imperial framework, rather than breaking from Britain or seeking foreign power help. The First Continental Congress sought redress and reconciliation with Parliament while preserving local authority and the ability to resist coercive acts if necessary. Organizing and keeping militias shows a practical readiness to protect communities and uphold rights without declaring independence.

The other options don’t fit because the petition did not call for immediate independence, it did not propose abandoning self-rule, and it wasn’t about forming an alliance with France at this stage.