What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is known as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the framework for the entire federal government and outlines the rights of the citizens. It is the foundational legal document that provides the principles by which the United States is governed. Any laws or actions taken by the government that conflict with the Constitution can be deemed unconstitutional and therefore invalid. This supremacy principle is outlined in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, often referred to as the Supremacy Clause, which clearly states that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over state laws. The Declaration of Independence, while a vital historical document articulating the colonies' intent to separate from British rule, does not establish a legal framework for governance. Similarly, the Bill of Rights serves as an important addition to the Constitution specifying individual rights, but it does not in itself serve as the ultimate law of the land. The Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States, have been replaced and are no longer in effect. Thus, the Constitution remains the highest legal authority in the U.S. legal system.