What is typically the primary document that outlines the purpose and structure of a corporation?

The primary document that outlines the purpose and structure of a corporation is the Articles of Incorporation. This foundational document is filed with the appropriate state authority to formally establish the existence of a corporation. It typically includes essential information such as the name of the corporation, its purpose, the number and type of shares authorized, the registered agent, and the duration of the corporation if it is not perpetual.

The Articles of Incorporation serve as a public record and establish the corporation's legal identity. They lay the groundwork necessary for the corporation to operate and govern itself according to the laws of the state in which it is incorporated. This makes the Articles of Incorporation crucial for defining the corporation's framework and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

While by-laws provide internal rules for governance, corporate resolutions are decisions made by the board of directors or shareholders, and meeting minutes record the discussions and decisions made during meetings, none of these documents serve as the primary establishment document detailing the corporation's purpose and structure. Thus, the Articles of Incorporation are the definitive source for this information.