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

The U.S. Constitution serves as the foundation of the American political system by establishing the structure, functions, and powers of the government. It delineates the separation of powers among the three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—ensuring a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Additionally, the Constitution outlines the responsibilities of the federal government, the rights of the states, and includes provisions for amending the document in response to societal changes. This framework is crucial for understanding how the government operates and the principles of democracy that underpin it. The other documents mentioned, while significant in their own rights, do not serve the same purpose. For instance, the Bill of Rights specifically enumerates individual rights, the Declaration of Independence articulates the reasons for separating from Britain, and the Federalist Papers were intended to promote the ratification of the Constitution but do not themselves establish any governmental framework.