Which of the following is NOT a role of the Constitution?

• A. Defines government powers
• B. Protects rights of citizens
• C. Declares independence from Britain
• D. Establishes the structure of government

Answer: (C)

The Constitution of the United States serves several fundamental roles, but declaring independence from Britain is not one of them. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, is the document that established the colonies' autonomy from British rule. The Constitution, on the other hand, was drafted in 1787 and focuses on the framework for governance, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the government, structuring the branches of government, and protecting the rights of citizens through amendments such as the Bill of Rights. Thus, identifying the act of declaring independence as not a role of the Constitution is accurate, as it pertains to a separate historical context and document, rather than the governing principles that the Constitution embodies.