What is considered the supreme law of the land in the United States?

The U.S. Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework of the United States. According to the Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, laws made under its authority take precedence over any state laws or state constitutions. This means that when there is a conflict between federal law and state law, federal law will prevail.

The U.S. Constitution not only outlines the structure of the federal government and the separation of powers, but it also protects individual rights through its amendments, including the Bill of Rights. While the Declaration of Independence serves as a vital historical document proclaiming the colonies' separation from Britain, it does not have legal authority. Similarly, state constitutions and the Bill of Rights, although important, are subordinate to the U.S. Constitution, as they cannot contradict it without being deemed unconstitutional.