Who established the Constitution?

The correct answer highlights the foundational principle of democratic governance in which authority originates from the populace. The Constitution was established as a contract among the people of the United States, reflecting their collective will and aspirations for self-governance, liberty, and justice.

While the Founding Fathers played a significant role in the drafting and framing of the Constitution, they were acting as representatives of the people and their interests. The phrase "We the People," which opens the Constitution, underscores that it is ultimately the citizens who grant the authority to govern and create the framework of laws and the structure of government. The collective action of citizens through their representatives was essential in ratifying the Constitution, emphasizing that it was not simply created by a single group, government, or military force but as an expression of the people's will.

In this context, it becomes clear why the other choices do not capture the essence of how the Constitution came to be. The government itself did not establish the Constitution but is rather governed by it. Similarly, the military does not constitute or endorse the creation of the Constitution, as it is meant to be a civilian document that limits government powers and outlines citizen rights.