What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

The primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution is to establish the framework of the federal government and protect the rights of citizens. This foundational document lays out the structure of government, including the roles and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. By doing so, it creates a system of checks and balances intended to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

Additionally, the Constitution includes the Bill of Rights, which explicitly protects individual liberties and rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process. This dual focus on government structure and the protection of civil rights is integral to defining the relationship between the government and the citizens, ensuring that the government operates within a defined set of rules while safeguarding personal freedoms.

The other options highlight important elements of governance but do not capture the comprehensive intent of the Constitution. For instance, while the role of the President and the Cabinet is outlined, it is just one aspect of the government's framework. The Constitution does provide guidance for state governments, but primarily as it relates to the federal system and intergovernmental relations. Furthermore, while it certainly plays a critical role in defining aspects of the American legal system, that focus is subsumed within its broader purpose of establishing government functions and individual rights.