What is the primary purpose of the Constitution?

The primary purpose of the Constitution is to establish the framework of government and protect individual rights. This foundational document lays out the structure, functions, and limits of government institutions, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

In addition to defining these governmental structures, the Constitution also includes provisions, particularly in the Bill of Rights, that safeguard individual freedoms and liberties against government infringement. This dual role of creating a functional government while simultaneously protecting citizens' rights is fundamental to the Constitution's purpose and significance in American law and society.

While the other options address specific aspects of the Constitution or government, they do not encompass its primary purpose as effectively as the correct choice does. For instance, the Constitution does outline powers related to the executive branch, but that is just one component of a broader framework. Additionally, while it does provide some guidelines impacting state governments and addresses legal matters, these aspects are secondary to its overarching goal of establishing a governing framework and protecting rights.