Which document established the framework for the national government post-Revolution?

• A. The Articles of Confederation
• B. The Bill of Rights
• C. The Constitution of the United States
• D. The Declaration of Independence

Answer: (C)

After the Revolution, the new nation needed a plan that could effectively run the country at the federal level. The Constitution of the United States established that framework by creating three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial), setting up checks and balances among them, and sharing power between the national and state governments (federalism). It gave the national government real powers, such as collecting taxes and defending the country, that the previous system lacked. The earlier Articles of Confederation left the central government too weak to handle debt, diplomacy, or defense, which highlighted the need for a stronger framework. The Bill of Rights protects individual rights and is part of the Constitution, while the Declaration of Independence explains why the colonies separated from Britain, not how the new government would be organized.