The significance of the Constitution in the founding of the United States lies in its establishment of a framework for government and the protection of individual rights. Ratified in 1788, it replaced the Articles of Confederation, creating a stronger federal government with defined powers and a system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also enshrined fundamental rights through the Bill of Rights, ensuring protection for individual liberties. This document has served as a foundational legal text, guiding American democracy and inspiring various movements for civil rights and governance both domestically and internationally.