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

The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government. Ratified in 1788, it establishes the structure of the federal government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch (the legislative, executive, and judicial branches), and describes the relationship between the states and the national government. Furthermore, the Constitution includes provisions for amending the document, which allows it to adapt over time to meet the needs of the nation.

While the Declaration of Independence is critical in declaring the colonies' separation from Britain and articulating the principles of individual rights and governmental authority, it does not establish a government framework. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document after independence but proved inadequate in unifying the states and maintaining order, ultimately leading to the creation of the Constitution. The Federalist Papers consist of writings that promote the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles, but they do not serve as a governing document themselves. Thus, the U.S. Constitution is distinctly positioned as the definitive source outlining the framework for the U.S. government.