What is the supreme law of the land?

The supreme law of the land is established as the Constitution of the United States. This foundational document outlines the framework of the government and the rights of the citizens. It serves as the highest legal authority in the nation, meaning that all laws, policies, and actions taken by government entities must conform to it. The Constitution establishes the relationship between federal and state governments and protects the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals.

Other documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, serve significant historical and political purposes but do not function as legal foundations or frameworks for governance. The Bill of Rights, while a crucial component of the Constitution, specifically enumerates individual rights and liberties but does not serve as the overarching law itself. Federal law is derived from the Constitution, but it cannot supersede its authority. Therefore, understanding the Constitution's role in the American legal system clarifies why it is designated as the supreme law of the land.