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

The appropriate document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government is the Constitution. The Constitution establishes the fundamental principles and structures of the government, including the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It defines the roles and responsibilities of each branch and lays out the system of checks and balances designed to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful.

The Constitution also includes provisions for amendments, allowing for changes and adaptations over time. This ensures that the framework can evolve with the nation while maintaining the core principles of democracy and governance.

Other documents such as the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence are significant in American history but serve different purposes. The Bill of Rights specifically enumerates individual rights and liberties, while the Declaration of Independence articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. The Federalist Papers, on the other hand, are a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution but do not themselves outline the framework of government.