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

The Constitution of the United States is the foundational document that details the structure of the government. It establishes the three branches of government: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial, along with their powers and responsibilities. Additionally, it outlines the framework for federalism and the relationship between the national government and the states, providing a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence serves primarily as a statement of principles regarding individual rights and the justification for seeking independence from British rule, but it does not outline a governmental structure. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, focusing on protecting individual liberties rather than government structure. The Emancipation Proclamation was a significant executive order that declared the freedom of slaves in certain territories but did not address the structure or organization of government. Thus, the Constitution is the document that clearly delineates how the U.S. government is organized and functions.