What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is known as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and its relationship with the states and citizens. This means that any law made by the federal or state government must be in accordance with the Constitution, and if there is a conflict between state laws and the Constitution, the Constitution prevails.

The Constitution not only outlines the powers and limits of the branches of government but also protects individual rights and liberties through its amendments. This legal priority ensures that all citizens and government entities operate under the same constitutional principles, making it the highest authority in the country.

While the Declaration of Independence serves as a significant historical document articulating the principles of freedom and rights, it does not function as a governing document with legal authority. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects specific individual liberties but is still part of the broader framework established by the Constitution. Federal laws, while influential and important, are subordinate to the Constitution itself, as they must align with its guidelines and principles.