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 lays out the framework for the federal government and sets forth the rights and responsibilities of both the government and its citizens. By being designated as the supreme law, the Constitution takes precedence over all other laws and treaties. This means that any laws passed or actions taken by the government must align with the principles outlined in the Constitution; if they do not, they can be deemed unconstitutional and thus invalid.

The Declaration of Independence, while an important historical document, primarily serves as a statement declaring the colonies' intention to separate from British rule and does not function as a governing document. The Bill of Rights is a critical component of the Constitution but specifically enumerates individual rights and freedoms rather than serving as the overarching legal foundation. The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt at a national government framework but were ultimately found to be insufficient, leading to the creation of the current Constitution. Therefore, it is the Constitution that stands as the supreme law of the land, establishing the legal authority for the functioning of the United States government.