What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is referred to as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the framework of the United States government and outlines the fundamental principles and rights that govern the country. It not only sets the authority for federal laws but also serves as the ultimate reference point for resolving disputes over the law. Article VI, Clause 2, known as the Supremacy Clause, explicitly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, shall be the supreme law of the land, meaning that state laws and constitutions cannot contradict it.

The other documents listed play important roles in American history and governance, but they do not carry the same legal weight as the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, for example, is a seminal document that articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence, while the Federalist Papers are a collection of articles promoting the ratification of the Constitution but do not function as law. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, details specific protections for individual liberties but is part of the broader constitutional framework. Thus, while all these documents are significant, none hold the authoritative status of the Constitution itself.