What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land in the United States. This designation means that the Constitution establishes the framework of government, the distribution of powers, and the rights of citizens. It serves as the ultimate legal authority, meaning all laws, policies, and actions taken by the government must adhere to it. If there are conflicts between state laws and the Constitution, the Constitution prevails, ensuring a consistent legal foundation across the entire nation.

Furthermore, while the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers are significant documents in American history and play vital roles in the country's foundation, they do not hold the same legal status as the Constitution. The Declaration primarily announces the colonies' separation from British rule, the Bill of Rights enumerates specific protections for individual liberties, and the Federalist Papers were written to promote the ratification of the Constitution. None of these documents serve as the overarching legal authority that governs the nation, which is why the Constitution is recognized as the supreme law.