What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land due to its foundational role in establishing the framework of the U.S. government and its authority over all laws and treaties. According to the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, it explicitly states that the Constitution, as well as federal laws made in accordance with it, take precedence over state laws and constitutions. This means that if there’s a conflict between federal law and state law, federal law prevails.

The other documents mentioned, while significant in American history, do not hold the same legal authority. The Declaration of Independence, for instance, was a statement declaring the colonies’ separation from British rule and does not serve as a legal document governing the nation. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlines specific rights and liberties but is part of the Constitution rather than a stand-alone legal authority. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States but were ultimately replaced by the Constitution due to their inadequacies in providing a strong federal government. Therefore, recognizing the Constitution as the supreme law of the land reflects its pivotal role in unifying and structuring the legal system of the United States.