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

The Constitution is the foundational legal document of the United States that outlines the framework of the government. It establishes the structure of the federal government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitution also includes provisions for federalism, defining the relationship between the national government and the states, as well as mechanisms for amending the document to address future needs.

In contrast, the Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document for the United States but were ultimately replaced because their structure did not provide a strong enough federal government. The Declaration of Independence, while crucial for outlining the principles of freedom and self-governance, does not serve as a governing document. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees individual rights and liberties but does not define the structure of government itself. Therefore, the Constitution is the correct answer as it comprehensively establishes the governmental framework of the United States.