What document established the foundational principles of the United States government?

The Constitution is the document that established the foundational principles of the United States government. It serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the framework for governance, delineating the roles and powers of the different branches of government, as well as the rights of the citizens. The Constitution was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, providing a strong federal system that balanced power between the national and state governments.

This document is significant because it not only set up the structure of government but also incorporated fundamental principles such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law. Through these principles, it aims to prevent the concentration of power in any single entity and safeguard the freedoms and rights of individuals.

While the Declaration of Independence articulates the reasons for seeking independence from British rule and outlines foundational ideas about liberty and equality, it does not create a governing framework. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States but proved to be ineffective, leading to the drafting of the current Constitution. The Bill of Rights, on the other hand, is made up of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and specifically protects individual liberties but does not establish the government itself.