Which document outlines the framework of the United States government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the United States government. Ratified in 1788, it establishes the structure, functions, and limits of government, detailing the organization of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also sets forth the principles of federalism and separation of powers, ensuring that each branch operates independently while maintaining a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The Declaration of Independence serves a different purpose, primarily articulating the colonies' reasons for separating from British rule, but it does not create a government framework. The Articles of Confederation was the first governing document of the United States and established a confederation of sovereign states, yet it proved inadequate in creating a functional national government, leading to its replacement by the Constitution. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution and is important for protecting individual liberties, but it does not outline the overall framework of government itself.