What major North American document was ratified in 1788?

The United States Constitution was ratified in 1788 and serves as the foundational legal document for the government of the United States. It established the framework for the national government, divided powers among different branches, and provided a system of checks and balances. This document replaced the Articles of Confederation, which had proven to be ineffective in creating a stable and functional federal government. The ratification of the Constitution marked a significant turning point in American history, as it created a stronger central government and addressed many of the weaknesses inherent in the previous governing document.

The Declaration of Independence, while a pivotal document in American history, was adopted in 1776 and primarily focused on declaring the colonies' independence from British rule rather than establishing a structure for governance. The Articles of Confederation, ratified earlier in 1781, established a loose alliance of states and lacked the necessary authority to effectively govern. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was introduced later in 1791 to guarantee individual rights and freedoms.