What serves as a foundation for the principles of American democracy?

The Constitution serves as the foundation for the principles of American democracy because it establishes the framework for government, outlines the powers and limits of each branch, and secures the rights of individuals. It provides a system of checks and balances designed to prevent the abuse of power, ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. The Constitution embodies core democratic values such as liberty, justice, and equality and serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding both governance and the rights of citizens.

While the Declaration of Independence is critically important in articulating the values of freedom and the right to self-govern, it primarily serves as a statement of principles and grievances against British rule rather than a governing document. Religious teachings can influence individual beliefs and values, but they do not form the structural basis of American democracy. Judicial reviews, while important in interpreting the Constitution, are a function of the judicial branch rather than foundational to the principles of democracy itself.