What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is known as the supreme law of the land because it serves as the foundational legal document of the United States. It establishes the framework for the federal government, outlines the rights of citizens, and defines the boundaries of governmental authority. This prominence is reinforced by the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI, Clause 2, which states that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over state laws and constitutions. This ensures a consistent legal framework across the country, providing a unified set of principles and governance.

While the Bill of Rights is a crucial component of the Constitution that enumerates specific rights and freedoms for individuals, it is not the supreme law itself but rather an addition to the Constitution designed to protect those rights. The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, were ultimately deemed ineffective, leading to their replacement by the current Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, while a significant historical document asserting the colonies' desire for independence from British rule, does not function as a governing framework but rather as a declaration of philosophy and principles regarding governance and individual rights.