What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land as outlined in Article VI, Clause 2, commonly referred to as the Supremacy Clause. This clause establishes that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, take precedence over state laws. It serves as the foundational legal document for the United States, defining the structure of government, the relationship between the federal and state governments, and the rights of citizens.

The Declaration of Independence serves a different purpose; it was a statement that proclaimed the colonies' separation from Great Britain and outlines the fundamental principles of governance but does not establish any laws. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States but were ultimately deemed ineffective and replaced by the Constitution, reflecting its foundational status. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects specific individual rights and liberties, but it does not have the overarching authority that the Constitution holds as the supreme law.