What does the U.S. Constitution establish?

The U.S. Constitution establishes the structure of the federal government, which is fundamental to its purpose. This includes creating the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities, ensuring a system of checks and balances that prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The legislative branch, consisting of Congress, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, led by the President, administers and enforces those laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws and administers justice. This carefully crafted structure is essential for operating a federal system that governs as a whole while allowing for some level of state autonomy.

In contrast, options like a list of state laws or national education policy do not arise from the Constitution itself, but rather from state legislatures or Congress, respectively. Similarly, while international relations are addressed in the Constitution, particularly concerning treaties and the powers of the president, the Constitution primarily establishes governmental structure rather than providing detailed guidelines or policies in those areas.