Which document lays the foundation for the separation of powers in the U.S. government?

The correct answer is the Constitution, as it establishes the framework for the U.S. government and delineates the separation of powers among its three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation is crucial because it creates a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The Constitution outlines the specific powers and responsibilities of each branch, ensuring that they operate independently while also holding each other accountable.

The Bill of Rights, while important for protecting individual liberties, does not specifically address the structure of government or the separation of powers. The Magna Carta, though a significant historical document influencing the development of constitutional law, primarily focused on limiting the powers of the monarchy rather than establishing a detailed system of government. The Declaration of Independence, while articulating the philosophical basis for the separation from Britain, does not provide a structural foundation for the government itself. Instead, it sets the stage for the future establishment of a system, which was ultimately realized in the Constitution.