Which document serves as the foundation for the laws of the United States?

The Constitution serves as the foundation for the laws of the United States because it establishes the framework of the federal government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and sets forth the rights of the individual. Ratified in 1788, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, meaning that all laws and regulations must comply with its provisions. It also provides the processes for amending itself, which allows the document to evolve over time while maintaining a consistent legal foundation for the country.

The Bill of Rights, while crucial for safeguarding individual liberties, is actually the first ten amendments to the Constitution and thus relies on it for its authority. The Articles of Confederation were the United States' first governing document but proved inadequate in maintaining a functioning central government, leading to the drafting of the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, while instrumental in declaring the colonies’ independence from Britain and outlining the philosophical justifications for self-governance, does not establish a legal framework or governing system. Therefore, the Constitution stands distinct as the cornerstone of U.S. law and governance.