What is the primary purpose of the Constitution?

The primary purpose of the Constitution is to establish government structure. It serves as the framework for the organization and powers of government institutions, delineating the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. By doing so, it ensures a balance of power and sets forth the process through which laws are made and enforced. This structural foundation is crucial for maintaining order and governance within the state.

While outlining laws and providing rights to citizens are important functions of government and often detailed within the Constitution, they fall under the broader umbrella of what the government is designed to do according to the framework established by the Constitution. Regulating commerce is a specific power granted to the federal government, which is just one aspect of the broader governmental structure the Constitution lays out. Thus, the establishment of a governing framework is the central purpose that enables all these functions to occur.