What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land due to the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI, Clause 2. This clause establishes that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it and treaties made under its authority, takes precedence over any conflicting state laws. This principle is fundamental to the functioning of the U.S. legal system, assuring that there is a consistent framework of law that must be followed across all states.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence serves as a historical document that declared independence from British rule but does not function as law. The Bill of Rights, while crucial for protecting individual liberties, is an integral part of the Constitution itself and does not stand alone as the supreme authority. The Federalist Papers, which were a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, provide insight into the framers' intentions but do not hold legal authority. Therefore, the Constitution secures its status as the highest legal authority in the United States, guiding all other laws and governmental actions.