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

The Constitution of the United States serves as the foundational document that establishes the structure, functions, and limitations of the government. It delineates the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, thereby creating a system of checks and balances essential for effective governance. Furthermore, the Constitution outlines the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as the rights of citizens.

While other documents play important roles in American history and governance, they do not provide the comprehensive framework of government that the Constitution does. The Federalist Papers, for example, are a series of essays that advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, but they do not constitute the governing framework itself. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which specifically protect individual liberties but do not outline government structure. The Declaration of Independence asserts the colonies' separation from British rule and outlines fundamental principles of liberty and governance but does not establish a framework for the government's operation. Thus, the Constitution is the definitive document that outlines how the U.S. government is to be structured and operate.