Which document serves as the framework of the United States government?

The United States Constitution serves as the framework of the United States government because it establishes the fundamental principles and structures that govern the nation. Ratified in 1788, the Constitution outlines the organization of the government, including the roles and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also provides the process for creating laws, delineates the rights of citizens, and sets forth the relationship between the federal government and the states.

Furthermore, it is the Constitution that has been amended over the years to adapt to changing societal needs and ensure the protection of individual liberties, which is particularly evident in the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments added to the Constitution. While other documents, such as the Articles of Confederation, were significant in American history, they ultimately proved inadequate in creating a strong federal government and stability, leading to the drafting of the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, while crucial in establishing American independence from Britain, primarily outlines the reasons for breaking away rather than serving as a governing framework. Thus, the Constitution is recognized as the foundational legal document that structures and sustains the government of the United States.