What is defined as the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the federal government?

The U.S. Constitution is established as the supreme law of the United States because it sets forth the foundational legal framework and principles governing the country. Ratified in 1788, the Constitution outlines the structure of the federal government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of its branches, and guarantees certain rights to citizens. It serves as the supreme legal document against which all laws and actions by the government are measured, securing the rule of law and the protection of individual liberties.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution and focuses specifically on protecting individual rights but doesn’t function as the overarching framework of government itself. The Declaration of Independence, while pivotal in expressing the principles of freedom and democracy, does not establish government structures. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution and explaining its principles but are not legal documents themselves. Thus, the U.S. Constitution's role as the supreme law is paramount in understanding the governance of the United States.