Which document establishes the framework for U.S. government creating separation of powers?

The Constitution is the foundational document that establishes the framework for the U.S. government, including the critical concept of separation of powers. This principle is designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. The Constitution outlines three distinct branches of government: the legislative branch (Congress), the executive branch (the President), and the judicial branch (the courts). Each branch has its own responsibilities and powers, which are clearly defined to ensure a system of checks and balances.

The intention behind this separation is to protect individual liberties and maintain a system of governance that is fair and accountable. By distributing powers among the branches, the Constitution aims to prevent tyranny and abuse of power, which were key concerns for the framers of the document.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence primarily serves as a statement of the American colonies' intent to break away from British rule and does not establish a government structure. The Bill of Rights focuses on individual freedoms and does not address governmental organization, while the Articles of Confederation provided a loose framework for governance but ultimately proved ineffective and did not establish a true separation of powers.