Which document outlines the structure and functions of the U.S. government?

The Constitution serves as the foundational document that establishes the structure and functions of the U.S. government. It was drafted in 1787 and outlines the organization of the federal government, defining the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, along with their respective powers and responsibilities. Additionally, the Constitution includes provisions for the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The Articles of Confederation, while an important historical document, were the first governing document of the United States but ultimately proved ineffective in creating a strong national government, leading to the drafting of the Constitution. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, detailing the rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals but does not outline the government's structure itself. The Declaration of Independence articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule and establishes the principles of individual rights and government by consent but does not address the specific functions of the U.S. government.