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

The Constitution established the framework of the U.S. government, serving as the supreme law of the land. It outlines the structure of government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of the three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Moreover, the Constitution includes mechanisms for amendments, allowing it to adapt to the changing needs of the nation.

The Declaration of Independence, while pivotal in declaring the colonies' intention to separate from British rule, does not provide a framework for governance. The Articles of Confederation were an early attempt at governance but created a very weak federal structure that ultimately proved inadequate. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, serves to protect individual liberties but does not create the government’s framework. Thus, the Constitution is rightly identified as the foundational document that established the U.S. government's structure and principles.