Which document outlines the fundamental laws and principles of the United States?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the fundamental laws and principles governing the United States. It establishes the structure of the national government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and sets forth the rights of the states and the people. The Constitution was created to ensure a framework for governance, providing guidelines for lawmaking and preserving individual liberties.

While the Declaration of Independence is a pivotal document that announced the thirteen colonies' separation from British rule and articulated the principles of individual rights and government by consent, it does not serve as the governing framework for the United States. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, specifically details individual freedoms and protections but is not the overarching legal framework itself. The Federalist Papers are a series of writings that advocate for the ratification of the Constitution and explain its provisions and principles, but they do not constitute the laws themselves. Thus, the Constitution stands as the primary legal document establishing the country's legal structure and guiding principles.