Which document was created to establish the rules and framework for the United States government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that established the rules and framework for the United States government. It was created in 1787 and ratified in 1788, serving as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution outlines the structure of the government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. It also contains the Bill of Rights, which enumerates individual rights and freedoms, ensuring the protection of citizens against government overreach.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence, drafted in 1776, primarily served to announce the colonies' separation from British rule and articulate the principles of individual rights and government by consent. While significant, it does not provide a governance structure.

The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, offering insights into the framers' intentions. However, they are not governing documents themselves.

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was crucial in advocating for the rule of law and the rights of the nobility but does not pertain specifically to the framework of the U.S. government.

Understanding the purpose of the Constitution is essential as it lays down the legal foundation that governs the United States, differentiating it from other important