Question

What are the functions of the US Constitution? Check all that apply.

to create a federal government
to outline citizens’ responsibilities
to give guidelines for citizenship
to protect the rights of US citizens
to divide power between federal and state governments

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- to create a federal government
- to give guidelines for citizenship
- to protect the rights of US citizens
- to divide power between federal and state governments

Why:
- The Constitution establishes the structure of the national (federal) government (Articles I–III).
- It defines citizenship (e.g., the 14th Amendment) and gives Congress the power to set naturalization rules (Article I, §8).
- It protects individual rights (the Bill of Rights and later amendments).
- It sets up federalism — dividing powers between the national government and the states (see the 10th Amendment and the allocation of powers).

Not included:
- "To outline citizens’ responsibilities" is not a primary function of the Constitution. Some civic duties (jury service, taxes) are addressed by statutory law or arise from government powers authorized by the Constitution, but the Constitution itself mainly organizes government and protects rights rather than listing everyday citizen responsibilities.