What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land because it serves as the foundational legal document for the United States. It outlines the structure of government, the powers of its branches, and the rights of the citizens, thereby establishing a framework for political authority and legal order. This principle is reinforced by the Supremacy Clause, located in Article VI, which asserts that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over state laws.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence is a historical document that announced the colonies' separation from British rule but does not have legal standing in terms of governance. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, specifically enumerates individual rights but is part of the Constitution rather than a separate legal document. The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt at governance and ultimately proved ineffective, leading to the drafting of the current Constitution. Hence, while each of these documents has its significance, only the Constitution serves as the foundational legal authority in the United States.