Which document outlines the foundational principles of American government?

The U.S. Constitution serves as the foundational document of American government, establishing the framework for the national government and outlining the principles that guide the country. It defines the structure of government by delineating the powers and responsibilities of the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitution also embodies essential principles such as the rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism, which are critical to understanding how American democracy functions.

While the Bill of Rights specifies individual freedoms and limitations on government power, it is part of the Constitution and does not encompass the entire framework of government. The Articles of Confederation represent an earlier attempt to govern the United States, but they ultimately proved ineffective due to a lack of strong central authority. The Federalist Papers, on the other hand, are a series of essays that support the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles, but they are not the governing document themselves. Thus, the U.S. Constitution is the primary source that outlines the foundational principles of American government.