What do we call the rules and laws that guide our country?

The Constitution is the foundational document that outlines the structure, powers, and principles of governance in the United States. It establishes the framework for the federal government and sets forth the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens. The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding how laws are created, enforced, and interpreted.

The Bill of Rights, though crucial, is actually a part of the Constitution, consisting of the first ten amendments that specifically protect individual liberties and rights. The Preamble introduces the Constitution and outlines the general purposes and guiding principles of the government, but it does not embody the extensive legal rules and structures. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution and explaining its intent, but they are not governing laws themselves. Thus, the Constitution is the correct answer as it encompasses the core rules and laws that govern the country.