What is the ultimate authority in the United States government?

The Constitution is regarded as the ultimate authority in the United States government, serving as the foundational legal document that outlines the structure, functions, and principles of government. It establishes the rule of law and ensures that all governmental actions align with its provisions. This principle is vital as it guarantees that no individual, including the President or members of Congress, can operate outside of the authority given by the Constitution.

The Constitution also contains the mechanisms through which power is balanced and divided among different branches of government, which ensures that no single branch dominates. This includes defining the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, thus creating a system of checks and balances that protects individual rights and upholds democratic governance.

The other choices represent significant components of the government but are subordinate to the Constitution. The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and resolves legal disputes, but it does not hold authority above the document itself. The President executes laws but must do so within the constraints established by the Constitution. The Senate, as part of the legislative branch, creates laws, which also must conform to constitutional principles. Ultimately, the Constitution serves as the highest law of the land, establishing it as the ultimate authority in the United States government.