What does the Constitution do?

The Constitution plays a foundational role in American governance and civil society. It outlines the structure of the government by establishing the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities, creating a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Moreover, the Constitution defines the government by establishing its authority and jurisdiction. This includes key elements such as the separation of powers, the relationship between federal and state governments, and the process for amending the Constitution itself.

Additionally, it protects the basic rights of Americans through the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments. These amendments guarantee essential freedoms and rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial, thus ensuring that the government respects and protects individual liberties.

Other options focus on narrower aspects of law and governance. For instance, while children's rights might be addressed in various laws, they are not explicitly defined in the Constitution itself. Establishing state laws is the responsibility of state legislatures, not the Constitution, which primarily addresses federal governance. Lastly, while Congress has specified powers listed in the Constitution, it isn't limited to only enumerating those powers; the Constitution encompasses much broader principles and functions.