What is the primary purpose of the Constitution?

The primary purpose of the Constitution is to outline the framework of government. This foundational document establishes how the government is structured, delineating the powers and responsibilities of its various branches, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It sets the rules for governance and includes essential principles such as checks and balances, federalism, and the separation of powers, which are crucial for maintaining a democratic system.

The other options, while historically significant in their own contexts, do not pertain to the primary purpose of the Constitution itself. For instance, declaring independence from Britain was a key moment in American history but is addressed in the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution. Establishing a national religion contradicts the principles of freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution, particularly in the First Amendment. Governing trade relations is certainly a function of government, but the Constitution serves a much broader purpose in defining the overall framework and guiding principles of U.S. governance rather than focusing solely on trade.