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

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the framework of the United States government. It establishes the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the various branches of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Additionally, it defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, as well as the rights of the citizens.

While the Bill of Rights is an important addition to the Constitution that enumerates individual rights and protections, it does not outline the overall framework of government. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution and offer insight into its principles, but they do not serve as the guiding document themselves. The Emancipation Proclamation, on the other hand, was a specific policy issued during the Civil War aimed at abolishing slavery in certain states and does not pertain to the government’s foundational structure. Therefore, the Constitution is the correct answer as it encapsulates the entire legal and governmental framework of the United States.