The significance of the Constitution in the formation of the United States lies in its establishment of a framework for government and protection of individual rights. Ratified in 1788, the Constitution created a federal government with checks and balances among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This system aimed to prevent tyranny and promote fair governance. Additionally, the Bill of Rights, adopted in 1791, included the first ten amendments that guaranteed fundamental liberties. The Constitution has since served as the foundational legal document for U.S. democracy, inspiring nations around the world.