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

The Constitution serves as the foundational legal document that establishes the framework of the U.S. government. It delineates the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—while also outlining the process for making amendments. Furthermore, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, meaning that any laws or actions by government entities must conform to it. It provides a clear and organized system for governance and the protection of individual rights, making it central to the functioning of American democracy.

The Declaration of Independence, while significant for announcing the colonies' separation from British rule, does not provide the governance framework itself. The Articles of Confederation were an early attempt at self-governance that ultimately proved inadequate in establishing a strong central government, leading to the creation of the Constitution. The Federalist Papers, authored by key figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, were essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, but they do not outline the structure of government in the way the Constitution does.