Which document established the framework for the U.S. government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that established the framework for the U.S. government. Drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it outlines the structure of the national government, detailing the powers and responsibilities of each branch: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also sets forth the principles of federalism and the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

In addition to establishing the government's structure, the Constitution provides a framework for the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as the rights of citizens through subsequent amendments. Overall, it serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding the operation and authority of government entities and protecting the rights of individuals.

Other documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, articulates the colonies' intent to separate from British rule but does not establish government structure. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution and safeguards individual liberties but does not establish the government’s framework itself. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that advocate for the ratification of the Constitution but are not a governing document. Therefore, the Constitution is rightly identified as the source of the framework for the U.S. government.