Which document outlines the foundation of the United States government?

The Constitution is the document that outlines the foundation of the United States government. It establishes the framework for the federal government, delineating the structure and powers of its three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as the rights of the individual citizens, providing a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

While the Bill of Rights is crucial for protecting individual liberties, it does not provide the overall structure of government. The Declaration of Independence articulates the reasons for the colonies' separation from British rule but does not establish governmental principles or structures. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document after independence, but they proved to be ineffective, leading to the creation of the Constitution to better manage the country's needs. Thus, the Constitution is rightly recognized as the foundation of the U.S. government.