What does the Constitution primarily do?

The Constitution serves multiple critical functions, but one of its primary roles is to outline and protect the rights of citizens. Through the Bill of Rights and various amendments, it provides a framework that safeguards individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. This emphasis on protecting rights ensures that the government does not infringe on personal freedoms and allows citizens to participate in a democratic society.

While the Constitution also plays a significant role in establishing government procedures and defining state powers, those elements are part of the broader framework that serves to protect individual rights. Guidelines for foreign affairs, while mentioned, are not a primary function of the Constitution compared to the emphasis on rights and liberties. Thus, the focus on rights makes this answer particularly significant in understanding the foundational purpose of the Constitution in shaping American democracy and governance.