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 serves as the highest source of law in the country. This means that all laws, regulations, and legal interpretations must align with the principles and provisions outlined in the Constitution. It not only provides the structure of government but also protects individual rights and liberties through various amendments.

The other documents mentioned, while crucial in American history, do not hold the same legal authority. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, explicitly guaranteeing individual freedoms but operating under the umbrella of the Constitution itself. The Declaration of Independence is a historical document that proclaimed the thirteen colonies' separation from British rule and outlined foundational ideals of governance but lacks legal binding authority. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document for the United States, establishing a weak central government; however, they were eventually replaced by the Constitution due to their ineffectiveness. Thus, the Constitution stands out as the ultimate legal authority in the U.S. legal system.