What does the Constitution do?

The Constitution serves as the foundational legal framework for the United States government. It establishes the structure of government by delineating the roles and responsibilities of the three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. By outlining how these branches interact with each other and with the citizens, the Constitution provides a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. This organization of government is fundamental to how the United States operates, making it essential for understanding the principles of governance.

The other options, while related to the functions and protections provided by the Constitution, do not exclusively define its primary role. For instance, protecting individual rights is an essential aspect of the Constitution, primarily through amendments such as the Bill of Rights; however, it is a feature rather than the overall purpose. Similarly, regulating commerce and imposing taxes are powers granted to Congress through the Constitution, but these are specific functions within the broader framework that the Constitution sets up for the government itself.