Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Practice Exam

The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and the rights of its citizens. Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, often referred to as the Supremacy Clause, explicitly states that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over state laws and constitutions. This means that any law or action by the government must align with the principles set out in the Constitution, making it the highest form of law within the United States legal system.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence is a historic document declaring independence from British rule but does not serve as a governing legal framework. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays advocating for the adoption of the Constitution; they provide context and explanation but are not legal documents themselves. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlines specific rights and liberties of individuals but is subordinate to the Constitution as the overarching legal authority.