Which document outlines the rights of U.S. citizens?

The document that outlines the rights of U.S. citizens is the Constitution. It is the supreme law of the land and structures the government while also defining the rights and liberties afforded to individuals. The Bill of Rights, which is the first ten amendments to the Constitution, specifically enumerates essential rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

The Declaration of Independence, while it asserts the right to self-govern and lists grievances against the British monarchy, does not function as a governing document and does not outline the specific rights of citizens. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written to promote ratification of the Constitution and provide commentary on its principles, but they do not serve as a declaration of rights themselves. Lastly, the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government and lacked a clear list of rights for citizens, which ultimately led to its replacement by the Constitution. Thus, the Constitution is the definitive source that articulates the rights of U.S. citizens.