What is considered the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States' government and delineates the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It functions as the highest form of law, meaning that all laws and actions taken by government entities must adhere to its principles. This supremacy establishes a hierarchy of laws, ensuring that if a law conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution prevails.

While the Declaration of Independence serves as a crucial historical document expressing the colonies' intention to separate from British rule and outlines the principles of individual rights, it does not have the force of law in the same way the Constitution does. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, is a critical part of the Constitution as it specifically enumerates certain rights of the people and limits government power. However, it is still part of the broader framework established by the Constitution rather than being the supreme governing document itself. The Emancipation Proclamation, while a significant executive order during the Civil War that declared the freedom of slaves in certain states, does not constitute a law or legal document that has the supremacy offered by the Constitution.