Which document outlines the powers and responsibilities of the U.S. government?

The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document that establishes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the federal government of the United States. It outlines the framework for the government, including the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and specifies the powers each branch holds. Additionally, the Constitution includes provisions for the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as the rights of citizens.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights refers specifically to the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee specific individual rights and liberties but do not detail the overall structure of government. The Declaration of Independence serves as a statement of principles regarding human rights and the justification for independence from British rule, but it does not provide a framework for governance. Lastly, the Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States that failed to establish a strong federal government, leading to its eventual replacement by the Constitution. The Constitution, therefore, is the definitive authority outlining the workings and limitations of the U.S. government.