What is the supreme law of the land?

The supreme law of the land is the Constitution of the United States. This means that the Constitution is the highest form of law in the country and takes precedence over any other laws, including state laws. It establishes the framework for the federal government, defines the powers of the different branches of government, and protects the rights of citizens.

The Constitution is designed to be a living document that provides for its own amendment process, which allows for changes to be made as society evolves, while still upholding the foundational principles of democracy, justice, and liberty. This supreme status means that any laws or actions taken by the government must be in accordance with the Constitution; if they are not, they can be challenged and deemed unconstitutional by the judicial system.

In contrast, the Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the newly independent states but proved to be ineffective for governing, leading to the drafting of the current Constitution. The Declaration of Independence is a historic document that announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain and outlines fundamental rights, but it does not serve as a governing legal framework. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and specifically protects various individual rights against government infringement, but it does not itself serve as the supreme law.