Which document outlines the fundamental laws and principles governing a country?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the fundamental laws and principles governing a country. It establishes the framework for the government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of different branches, the rights of citizens, and the relationship between the state and federal authorities. By providing a comprehensive structure for the legal and political systems, the Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced.

The other options do not serve the same overarching purpose. The Declaration of Independence primarily articulates the reasons for separating from British rule and asserts the principles of individual liberty and government by consent. The Bill of Rights is a series of amendments to the Constitution that specifically guarantees individual rights and liberties but is not a standalone governing document. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, discussing its principles and significance, but they do not serve as the governing framework itself. Each of these documents plays an important role in American history and governance, but the Constitution is the primary source of authority that establishes the structure of government and the laws of the country.