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

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the structure of the U.S. government. It establishes the framework for the government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of each branch: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also includes provisions for federalism, the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as mechanisms for amending the document itself.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence primarily served as a statement of the colonies' intent to break free from British rule, articulating the principles of individual rights and governance, but it does not establish government structure. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, detailing specific protections for individual liberties, rather than structuring government. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles, but they are not an official document outlining government structure themselves.