What does the Constitution do?

The Constitution serves as the foundational legal document that establishes the framework of the government of the United States. It outlines the structure and powers of government branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and defines their respective responsibilities and limitations. By doing so, the Constitution ensures a system of checks and balances that maintains the separation of powers, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. This organization is fundamental to the operation of democracy in the United States.

While aspects such as the economy, law enforcement, and foreign affairs are affected by the government established by the Constitution, these elements are not directly set up by the Constitution itself. Instead, various laws and regulations concerning the economy, enforcement of laws, and management of foreign affairs stem from the authority granted by the Constitution to the government it creates.