What document outlines the rights of citizens in the United States?

The Constitution and its amendments are the foundational documents that outline the rights of citizens in the United States. The Constitution itself establishes the framework for the government and its powers, while the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, specifically enumerates individual liberties and protections against government overreach, such as freedom of speech, religious freedom, the right to bear arms, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

While the Declaration of Independence articulates the principles of individual rights and the justification for independence from British rule, it does not function as a legal document that specifies citizens' rights within the framework of the U.S. government. The Articles of Confederation, preceding the Constitution, established a weak federal government and did not address individual rights in the same comprehensive way. Therefore, the Constitution and its amendments are the most complete and authoritative sources regarding citizens' rights in the United States.