What is considered 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. This document outlines the structure of the federal government, enumerates the powers granted to each branch, and establishes the rights of the states and the people.

The supremacy clause, located in Article VI of the Constitution, explicitly states that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over state laws. This means that any state law that conflicts with the Constitution is void. Thus, the Constitution's role as the highest legal authority undergirds the legal and political systems of the United States, ensuring that all laws and governmental actions align with its principles.

Other options, like the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, served important historical roles but do not hold the same legal status. The Declaration of Independence is a historical document that declared the colonies free from British rule, while the Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States but were ultimately found to be inadequate and were replaced by the Constitution. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees specific individual liberties but does not establish the overall legal framework. Thus, it is the Constitution that truly holds the title of the