Which document outlines the framework of the U.S. government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government. It establishes the structure of the government, delineates the powers of the three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial), and identifies the relationships between the federal government and the states. Additionally, it includes provisions for the amendment process, allowing for evolving governance in response to societal changes.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights, while integral to American law, specifically refers to the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which primarily address individual liberties and rights rather than establishing government structure. The Declaration of Independence served to announce the colonies' separation from British rule and articulate the principles of individual rights but does not serve as a framework for governance. The Emancipation Proclamation was a wartime measure related to the abolition of slavery and does not apply to the foundational framework of the government's operations.