What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and serves as the highest legal authority in the country. This concept is emphasized in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, often referred to as the Supremacy Clause, which states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it and treaties, takes precedence over state laws and constitutions.

The Constitution outlines the structure of the government, the powers of each branch, and the rights of citizens, making it the ultimate guide for legal and governmental authority. In contrast, documents like the Declaration of Independence articulate foundational principles and values but do not serve as a governing legal document. Similarly, the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlines specific protections for individual liberties but does not have the same overarching authority as the Constitution itself. The Articles of Confederation, the predecessor to the Constitution, established a loose association of states but ultimately proved ineffective as a governing document, leading to the creation of the current Constitution.