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

The U.S. Constitution serves as the foundational legal document that outlines the framework of the United States government. Established in 1787, it delineates the structure and powers of the three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—as well as the relationships between the federal government and the states.

This document not only defines the roles and responsibilities of each branch but also sets forth the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. It establishes essential governance principles, such as federalism and separation of powers, ensuring that authority is distributed among different levels and branches of government.

While the Declaration of Independence declares the colonies' intention to separate from British rule, and the Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document but proved ineffective, the U.S. Constitution ultimately provided the robust framework necessary for a functioning democracy in the United States. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, focuses on individual liberties and protections but does not lay out the overall governmental structure.