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

The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document that establishes the framework of the U.S. government. It was adopted in 1787 and provides the structure for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, detailing their powers and responsibilities. The Constitution also includes provisions for the federal system, stipulating the division of powers between the national and state governments.

It encompasses amendments that have evolved over time, such as the Bill of Rights, which is a crucial part of the Constitution but serves to outline specific individual rights and limitations on government power, rather than the government structure itself. The Declaration of Independence, while significant in declaring the sovereignty of the United States and outlining the principles of freedom and democracy, does not establish a governing framework. Lastly, the Articles of Confederation were the initial governing document of the United States but proved ineffective in creating a strong centralized government, leading to the drafting of the Constitution. Thus, the Constitution is recognized as the core document that explicitly sets up the U.S. government and its fundamental principles.