What is the supreme law of the land?

The supreme law of the land is the Constitution. This foundational document establishes the framework for the United States government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the government and its citizens. It serves as the highest authority in U.S. law, meaning that any laws or policies enacted by state or federal governments must align with the principles and provisions set forth in the Constitution.

The Constitution is designed to ensure that laws are consistent and protect individual liberties, establishing a system of checks and balances among the branches of government. In cases where state laws conflict with federal laws, the Constitution prevails, affirming its role as the ultimate guiding document for the nation.

The other options, while important in American history and governance, do not hold the same legal authority. The Declaration of Independence, for instance, proclaimed the colonies’ intent to be free from British rule but does not govern the legal framework. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects specific individual rights but is still subordinate to the overarching provisions of the Constitution itself. Lastly, The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, and while influential, they do not constitute law.