What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

The primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution is to outline the framework for the U.S. government. It serves as the supreme legal document that sets forth the structure, functions, and organization of the government, detailing the powers and responsibilities of each branch: the legislative, executive, and judicial. By establishing this framework, the Constitution aims to create a system of checks and balances that helps prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

This foundational document also defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, thus facilitating a balance of power. While the Constitution includes provisions for amending itself to address changing needs over time, its core role is to function as the blueprint for governance within the United States. Other options do not accurately reflect the fundamental role of the Constitution; for example, it does not aim to create a parliamentary system, declare independence, or eliminate state governments. Each of these aspects highlights a different historical or political context that is not aligned with the Constitution's primary purpose.