What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land in the United States. This means that it establishes the fundamental framework for the government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of different branches, and outlines the rights of citizens. Article VI of the Constitution explicitly states that it shall be the "supreme Law of the Land," meaning that any laws or treaties made under its authority take precedence over any conflicting state laws or regulations. This centrality of the Constitution underscores its importance in maintaining a consistent legal foundation for the country and safeguarding the principles of democracy and individual rights.

The Declaration of Independence, while a vital document in American history that articulated the colonies' desire for independence from British rule, does not itself serve as a governing document. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects specific individual liberties but is not a standalone governing framework. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States but were ultimately replaced by the current Constitution due to their inadequacies in establishing a strong national government.