What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land in the United States. This status means that it establishes the framework for the government, outlines the rights and freedoms of citizens, and serves as the ultimate legal authority for the country. Any law or treaty must be in accordance with the Constitution, and if there is a conflict, the Constitution prevails.

The Declaration of Independence, while a foundational document asserting the nation's commitment to freedom and self-governance, does not function as a legal framework like the Constitution. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing specific rights to individuals but does not serve as the overarching law itself. The Emancipation Proclamation was a significant executive order that aimed to free enslaved people in certain states, but it does not hold the status of law that governs all legal matters or acts as the foundational document for the government. Thus, the Constitution's role as the supreme law is pivotal in understanding the legal structure and governance of the United States.