What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is referred to as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, as well as the powers and limitations of government entities. It is the ultimate source of law in the country, meaning that all laws and actions taken by government officials and agencies must conform to its provisions.

The Constitution also provides mechanisms for its own amendment, ensuring that it can be updated and adjusted to meet the evolving needs and values of society while retaining its status as the highest legal authority. This concept of the Constitution as the supreme law ensures consistency in legal interpretation and application across the nation, fostering stability and protecting individual rights.

The Bill of Rights is an essential part of the Constitution, specifically the first ten amendments, which guarantee individual freedoms and rights, but it cannot stand alone as the supreme law. The Declaration of Independence, while a significant historical document, primarily served to declare the intent of the colonies to separate from British rule and does not function as law. The Federalist Papers are a series of articles advocating for the Constitution's ratification and provide insight into its principles and intentions, but they do not hold legal authority themselves.