What is the main function of the U.S. Constitution?

The main function of the U.S. Constitution is to serve as the supreme law of the land. This means that it is the foundational legal document that establishes the framework of the federal government, outlines the separation of powers among the branches of government, and sets forth the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens.

As the supreme law, the Constitution takes precedence over any state laws or regulations; if a state law conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution prevails. This principle ensures a unified legal system across the entire country, allowing for a consistent understanding of rights and freedoms. The Constitution also provides the process for amendments, which helps the document to remain relevant over time, but its primary role remains to function as the overarching legal authority in the United States.

In contrast, while amendments, definitions of citizenship, and state laws are significant components of the broader legal landscape, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of the Constitution itself, which is to establish the supreme legal framework for governance in the nation.