What document outlines the fundamental laws governing a society and the principles of government?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the fundamental laws governing a society and establishes the principles of government in the United States. It serves as the supreme law of the land, detailing the structure of government, the powers and responsibilities of different branches, and the rights of citizens. The Constitution was designed to provide a framework for governance and ensure a system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

In contrast, the Articles of Confederation were an early attempt at governance that ultimately proved ineffective due to the lack of a strong central authority. The Bill of Rights specifically focuses on protecting individual rights and freedoms, existing as the first ten amendments to the Constitution rather than serving as a comprehensive governing document. The Declaration of Independence, while historically significant, primarily declares the colonies' intention to separate from British rule and outlines the philosophical foundation for self-governance, rather than establishing laws and governance principles.