Which document serves as the foundation for the U.S. legal system?

The Constitution serves as the foundational document for the U.S. legal system because it establishes the framework for the government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and outlines the rights of individuals. It is the supreme law of the land, meaning that any law or government action that contradicts the Constitution is invalid.

The Bill of Rights, while crucial for protecting individual liberties, is actually a part of the Constitution and cannot stand alone as the foundational document. The Declaration of Independence, though pivotal in articulating the values and ideals of the nation at its inception, does not function as a legal framework or a governing document; rather, it declares independence from British rule. The Federalist Papers, while influential in promoting the ratification of the Constitution and explaining the principles behind it, are not legal documents themselves but rather a series of essays advocating for the Constitution's adoption. Thus, the Constitution is the central and enduring framework within which all U.S. laws and regulations must operate.