What is the primary function of the Constitution?

The primary function of the Constitution is to serve as the foundational framework for the government and to delineate the rights of individuals. As the supreme law of the land, the Constitution outlines how the government is structured, the powers granted to various branches, and the limits placed on governmental authority. It ensures that the rights of citizens are protected against infringement, providing a blueprint for democracy and rule of law.

This foundational aspect is critical; it creates a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—so that no single branch becomes too powerful. Additionally, the Constitution includes amendments, such as the Bill of Rights, which explicitly guarantees fundamental rights like freedom of speech, religion, and due process, emphasizing the protection of individual liberties.

The other choices reflect specific functions or aspects related to the government but do not capture the overarching purpose of the Constitution itself. Establishing international treaties, appointing Supreme Court justices, and regulating commerce are all actions or processes that the government may engage in, but they do not represent the fundamental role of the Constitution as the core framework that underpins all governmental functions and protects the rights of the people.