What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it serves as the foundational legal document of the United States. It establishes the structure of the federal government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of government branches, and guarantees certain fundamental rights to the citizens. This primacy is articulated in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, known as the Supremacy Clause, which states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it, takes precedence over state laws and constitutions.

This foundational role means that any law or decision that contradicts the Constitution can be deemed unconstitutional and thus invalid. While Supreme Court decisions interpret and apply the Constitution, they do not hold the same status as the Constitution itself. Similarly, the Declaration of Independence, while historically significant, does not have legal authority and is not a governing document. Federal statutes are laws passed by Congress but must align with the Constitution to be valid. Thus, the Constitution is unequivocally the highest legal authority in the land.