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

Study for the Civics History and Government Naturalization Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

The U.S. Constitution is the document that outlines the structure of the U.S. government. It establishes the framework for the federal government, defining the powers and responsibilities of each branch: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also sets forth the relationships between the federal government and the states and addresses the rights of individuals.

Additionally, the Constitution has been amended multiple times to accommodate changes in society and to expand on the rights of citizens. It serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding how the government operates and how laws are enforced. In contrast, while the Declaration of Independence articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule, it does not delineate government structure. The Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Constitution, provided a weak framework that ultimately proved ineffective in governing the states. The Bill of Rights is a collection of the first ten amendments to the Constitution that specifically guarantees certain individual liberties, but it does not define governmental structure itself.

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