What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land in the United States. This designation is established in Article VI of the Constitution, which asserts that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it, takes precedence over any state laws. This principle ensures that federal law remains consistent across all states, providing a cohesive legal framework for the entire nation.

The Declaration of Independence, while a monumental historic document outlining the colonies' reasons for independence from Britain, does not serve as a governing document or law. Similarly, the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlines fundamental rights and liberties but does not hold the status of the supreme law; it is part of the amendments to the Constitution itself. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document for the United States but were replaced by the Constitution due to their inefficiencies and weaknesses. Thus, the Constitution is the ultimate legal authority, establishing the framework for all other laws and legal interpretations within the country.