The supreme law of the United States, outlining the national framework of government, was established in 1787. Which document is this?

• A. Articles of Confederation
• B. Constitution
• C. Magna Carta
• D. English Bill of Rights

Answer: (B)

This question tests recognizing the document that established the United States’ national framework of government and serves as the supreme law. Drafted in 1787 at Philadelphia, it created a stronger, more effective central government after the previous framework proved weak. The Constitution lays out a three-branch structure—legislative, executive, and judicial—with a system of checks and balances to prevent overreach, and it establishes federalism, dividing power between the national government and the states. It is the supreme law of the land, meaning federal law takes precedence over state laws and state constitutions. The other options aren’t correct for this context: the Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights are English documents from before the United States existed, and the Articles of Confederation was the earlier framework that failed to provide a strong national government.