What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

The primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution is to establish the framework of the government and protect the rights of citizens. This foundational document outlines the structure of the federal government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial. Furthermore, the Constitution lays out the principles of federalism and provides a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

In addition to establishing governance, the Constitution includes the Bill of Rights, which guarantees specific freedoms and rights to individuals, thus safeguarding the liberties of citizens against potential government overreach. This dual role of structuring government while protecting rights is central to the Constitution's intent and significance in American history.

The other options do not capture the core purpose of the Constitution. National holidays and international trade are not covered within its main scope, and declaring independence was a separate act accomplished by the Declaration of Independence, which preceded the Constitution.