What does the Constitution do?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers.

• sets up the government
• defines the government
• protects basic rights of Americans

Our explanation

The Constitution sets up the U.S. government. It also defines (explains) the government’s three branches and their powers. It protects basic rights of Americans too, like the rights in the Bill of Rights.

Remember it

Three jobs: sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights of Americans.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, M-1175) p. 8, 10, 12: “The Constitution sets up the government and enshrines the basic rights of the American People.” … “describe the three branches or parts of the U.S. government.”

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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