What is the primary purpose of the Constitution?

The primary purpose of the Constitution is to establish the framework of government and the rights of individuals. It serves as the foundational legal document that outlines the structure of the government, delineates the powers among different branches, and enumerates the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the citizens. By setting up the governmental framework, the Constitution creates a system where power is distributed and limited, ensuring that no branch exceeds its authority, which is essential for a functioning democracy. Additionally, the inclusion of individual rights, primarily reflected in the Bill of Rights, emphasizes the Constitution's role in protecting citizens from government overreach and ensuring fundamental liberties.

While establishing a system of checks and balances is a significant feature of the Constitution, it is part of the broader objective of creating a comprehensive framework of government. Similarly, regulating trade and commerce and providing guidelines for elections are important functions outlined within the Constitution, but they support the overarching goal of establishing a government that respects and protects individual rights and liberties. Thus, the focus on both the government structure and the rights of individuals captures the essence of the Constitution's primary purpose.