What is the supreme law of the land?

The supreme law of the land is the Constitution. This designation establishes the Constitution as the foundational document that outlines the structure of the government, delineates the powers of each branch, and guarantees individual rights. The Constitution serves as the ultimate legal reference for resolving disputes and guides the interpretation of laws by the judiciary. It is the framework that all federal and state laws must conform to, ensuring that no law can supersede its authority.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights, while crucial as the first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual liberties, operates under the umbrella of the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, though vital in declaring the colonies' separation from British rule and articulating core democratic principles, does not function as a governing document and lacks legal force. Lastly, the Federalist Papers are a collection of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution; they provide valuable insight into the intentions of the framers but do not hold legal authority themselves. This understanding clarifies why the Constitution is recognized as the supreme law governing the United States.