What type of law establishes the framework for government operations?

Constitutional law is the type of law that establishes the framework for government operations. It outlines the structure of government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of various government branches, and protects individual rights. This body of law is foundational, serving as the supreme law of the land in the jurisdiction where it applies, which in the case of the United States is primarily the U.S. Constitution. It sets the parameters within which all other laws and regulations operate, ensuring that government authority is exercised in accordance with established legal principles.

In contrast, regulatory law involves the rules and regulations created by governmental agencies to oversee and enforce specific policies in various sectors, such as health care, the environment, and finance. Common law refers to laws developed through court decisions and judicial rulings, which can evolve over time based on precedents. Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies, including rule-making, enforcement, and adjudication of disputes. While all these forms of law play significant roles in the legal system, constitutional law serves as the foundational framework that guides and limits governmental action.