Which legal document is essential for the formation of a corporation?

The Articles of Incorporation are critical for forming a corporation because they formally establish the entity's existence in the eyes of the state. This legal document contains fundamental information about the corporation, such as its name, purpose, number of shares it is authorized to issue, and the address of its registered agent. Filing the Articles of Incorporation with the appropriate state authority is a prerequisite to legally creating a corporation, making it an essential step in the incorporation process.

Other documents, while important in the context of corporate governance and operation, do not serve the primary function of legally establishing the corporation. Bylaws outline the internal rules and procedures for the operation and management of the corporation. An operating agreement is relevant for limited liability companies (LLCs) and governs the internal workings of that structure. A partnership agreement is used for partnerships and defines the terms of the partnership but is not applicable to corporations. Therefore, the Articles of Incorporation is the correct choice for this question.