Which document outlines the framework of the US government?

The United States Constitution is the fundamental document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government. It establishes the structure of the federal government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of each branch: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Additionally, it includes the Bill of Rights, which guarantees individual liberties and rights. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, meaning that it takes precedence over any state laws or regulations.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence primarily served as a statement of the colonies' intentions to separate from British rule and articulate the principles of individual rights and government by consent. The Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Constitution, established a weak central government and proved insufficient in addressing the needs of the nation, leading to its eventual replacement. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution and providing commentary on its provisions, but they do not constitute a governing document themselves.