What document outlines the framework of the U.S. government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government. It establishes the structure of the government by detailing the roles and powers of the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Furthermore, it provides a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful. The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding the country's legal and political framework since its ratification in 1788.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence primarily serves as a statement that asserts the colonies' desire to be independent from British rule and outlines the principles of individual rights and government. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees specific individual liberties but does not provide the comprehensive structure of government. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States but ultimately proved to be ineffective, leading to the drafting of the Constitution to create a stronger federal government.