What is the name of the document that originally governed the United States and was later replaced by the Constitution?

The document that originally governed the United States before the Constitution is known as the Articles of Confederation. This document was drafted in 1777 and ratified in 1781, serving as the first governing framework for the newly independent states. The Articles established a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, which ultimately proved ineffective in addressing various issues, such as economic instability and political discord among the states.

The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution arose from the need for a stronger federal structure that could better manage the nation's needs, thus leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 where the current Constitution was created. The Constitution built upon the foundations laid by the Articles but provided a more robust framework for governance, including the establishment of three branches of government and clearer delineation of powers and responsibilities.

In contrast, the other documents listed serve different purposes: the Constitution is the current governing document, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments ensuring specific freedoms and rights, and the Declaration of Independence serves as a statement of autonomy from British rule rather than a governing framework.