What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is regarded 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. It outlines the structure of government, delineates the powers of various branches, and guarantees individual rights. Any laws created by Congress, state legislatures, or local governments must comply with the Constitution, and if there is a conflict between a law and the Constitution, the Constitution prevails. This principle is enshrined in the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI, ensuring that the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties are the highest form of law in the United States.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals and principles of freedom and governance but does not function as a governing document. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects specific individual liberties and rights but is part of the Constitution itself rather than a standalone document. The Federalist Papers, while influential in shaping the Constitution's adoption, are essays advocating for its ratification and do not hold any legal authority. Therefore, the Constitution's role as the supreme law of the land is clearly defined and fundamentally essential to understanding governance in the United States.