What is the primary purpose of the Constitution?

The primary purpose of the Constitution is to set up the government and protect basic rights. This foundational document outlines the structure and functions of government, establishing the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also ensures a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

In addition to organizing government functions, the Constitution also enshrines fundamental rights and liberties for individuals, which are critical for maintaining a free and just society. This commitment to protecting individual rights is evident in the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which explicitly safeguard freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly.

While declaring independence from Britain was crucial to the formation of the United States, it predates the Constitution and serves a different purpose. Establishing a monarchy is contrary to the principles the Constitution upholds, as it promotes a democratic republic rather than a system of hereditary rule. Although the Constitution does have implications for economic systems through regulatory frameworks, its primary focus is fundamentally on governance and rights protection, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of its core purpose.