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. It outlines the structure of government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of different branches, and protects individual rights. Under the Supremacy Clause of Article VI, the Constitution takes precedence over any conflicting state laws and even federal laws that may contradict it. This means that any law or action taken by the government must align with the principles and provisions established in the Constitution.

The Declaration of Independence, while a crucial historical document articulating the colonies' reasons for seeking independence, does not provide a legal framework for governance. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, specifically enumerates individual rights but is not itself the supreme law. Federal laws are valid as long as they conform to the Constitution, but they do not supersede it. Thus, acknowledging the Constitution as the supreme law reinforces the authority and structure that governs all other laws and documents in the United States.