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

  1. The Declaration of Independence

  2. The Articles of Confederation

  3. The U.S. Constitution

  4. The Federalist Papers

The correct answer is: The U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution serves as the foundation of the U.S. legal system because it establishes the framework for government and outlines the fundamental laws and principles that govern the country. Ratified in 1788, it created the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—and delineated their powers and responsibilities. Furthermore, the Constitution provides a blueprint for how laws are made, how rights are protected, and how the federal government interacts with the states and the citizens. In addition to defining governmental structure, the Constitution enshrines essential rights and liberties through the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, solidifying the rule of law and individual rights within the legal system. This powerful document is the supreme law of the land, and all laws and actions by government bodies must conform to its provisions, making it the cornerstone of U.S. law.