Which document serves as the governing document of the United States?

The Constitution serves as the governing document of the United States because it establishes the framework for the federal government and outlines the fundamental principles and laws that govern the nation. Ratified in 1788, it created three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—each with its own powers and responsibilities, thereby ensuring a system of checks and balances.

The Constitution also delineates the rights and liberties of American citizens, setting a standard for law and governance that has evolved through amendments and interpretations over the years. The document is the supreme law of the land, meaning that any law or policy that contradicts it is invalid, reinforcing its central role in the American political system.

Other documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, identified the colonies’ desire for freedom from British rule and articulated foundational American values, but they do not govern. The Articles of Confederation were an early attempt at governance but proved ineffective due to their lack of a strong central authority. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees specific individual rights and liberties but is not a governing document on its own.