What does the Constitution do?

The Constitution serves as the foundational legal document of the United States, primarily outlining the framework of the government and delineating the rights afforded to citizens. It establishes the structure of the federal government, including the roles and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This creates a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power.

Additionally, the Constitution includes the Bill of Rights, which specifically enumerates the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to due process. By protecting these basic rights and establishing the government’s operational framework, the Constitution ensures a democratic system that upholds individual liberties and the rule of law.

The other options relate to specific functions or responsibilities that are typically associated with government operations but do not encompass the broader purpose and significance of the Constitution itself. Establishing national holidays, declaring war, and regulating trade with foreign nations are all functions of the government that can be carried out within the framework established by the Constitution, but they do not capture the essence of what the Constitution fundamentally accomplishes.