What is a constitution?

A constitution serves as the foundational legal framework that outlines the principles and structures of government within a jurisdiction. It defines the distribution of power among different branches of government and establishes the rights of the citizens. When referring to "the supreme law of the land," the constitution is acknowledged as the highest legal authority in a country, meaning that all laws and government actions must conform to its provisions.

In the context of the United States, the Constitution not only determines how government operates but also protects individual freedoms and rights, ensuring that no law or individual actions can infringe upon those rights without due process. This distinction reinforces the role of the constitution as the ultimate source of legal authority and governance, distinguishing it from other options which do not encompass the broader implications and roles of a constitution.