Which founding document outlines the structure of the U.S. government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the structure of the U.S. government, establishing the frameworks of its three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch, ensuring a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

In addition to outlining the government structure, the Constitution also sets forth the principles of federalism, delineating the relationship between the national government and the states. It includes the enumerated powers of Congress and the powers denied to both the federal and state governments. It further introduces the process for amending the Constitution, allowing it to evolve over time while maintaining a stable governance structure.

Other documents, like the Declaration of Independence, primarily focus on the philosophical justifications for independence from British rule, while the Bill of Rights specifically comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document for the newly independent states but proved inadequate in establishing a strong federal government, leading to the drafting of the current Constitution.