What does the Constitution primarily do?

The Constitution primarily sets up the government by outlining the framework for the United States' political system. It establishes the structure of the government by defining the roles and powers of the three separate branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This division ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. Furthermore, it sets forth the foundational principles, such as the rule of law and separation of powers, guiding how the government operates and interacts with its citizens.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of the Constitution. While it does influence foreign policy indirectly by conferring powers to the President and Congress, it is not primarily focused on that area. It does not govern state laws directly; instead, it provides a framework that states must follow while allowing them to enact their own laws as long as they do not conflict with federal laws. Lastly, while the Constitution is certainly a historical document, its main function is to define government structure rather than merely store historical information.