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

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the structure and framework of the U.S. government. It establishes the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, along with their powers and responsibilities. Additionally, it defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, and it provides a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The Constitution also lays out the principles of democracy and the rights of citizens.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights refers specifically to the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual liberties but do not outline the overall structure of the government. The Declaration of Independence, while historically significant and proclaiming the colonies' separation from British rule, does not establish a framework for governance. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States but ultimately proved to be inadequate, leading to the creation of the current Constitution in 1787 to better define and organize the nation's government.