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

The Constitution of the United States is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government. It established the national government, delineated the powers of its branches (the legislative, executive, and judicial), and defined the relationship between the federal government and the states. The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, providing the structure within which government operates and protecting the rights of the citizens.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and specifically addresses individual rights and liberties but does not outline the overall framework of government. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States but proved ineffective due to a lack of a strong federal government. The Declaration of Independence, while a pivotal document in American history that declared the colonies' separation from British rule, does not provide a framework for government. Therefore, the Constitution is the document that appropriately details the structure and function of the U.S. government.