What is the primary function of the Constitution?

The primary function of the Constitution is to outline rights and governance. It serves as the foundational legal document that establishes the framework for the government of the United States. This includes defining the structure of the government, which comprises the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and the distribution of powers among them.

Additionally, the Constitution lays out the fundamental rights and liberties granted to individuals, ensuring that these rights are protected from government infringement. By doing this, it not only organizes the government but also safeguards the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded.

In contrast, establishing taxes, regulating commerce, and providing for a military are specific powers and responsibilities that the government exercises under the guidelines set forth in the Constitution. These aspects are important functions of government, but they fall under the broader purpose of governance defined by the Constitution itself. Thus, the primary focus is on how the Constitution shapes and limits governmental power while protecting individual rights.