What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and its relationship to the citizens. It outlines the structure of government, delineates powers among the various branches, and ensures the rights of the citizens. This means that all laws and governmental actions must conform to the Constitution; if any law conflicts with it, that law is deemed invalid.

While the Declaration of Independence lays the ideological groundwork for the nation’s principles, it does not serve as a governing document. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects specific rights but is part of the Constitution itself rather than a separate legal authority. The Federalist Papers, on the other hand, are a collection of writings intended to promote the ratification of the Constitution, providing insight into its principles but lacking any legal standing as law.