What is considered the Supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework of the United States government. It outlines the structure of government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and sets forth the rights of citizens. This status is affirmed by the Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI of the Constitution, which dictates that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over state laws and constitutions.

While the Declaration of Independence is a historical document asserting the colonies' separation from British rule, it does not serve as a governing legal framework. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees individual rights but is part of the Constitution rather than a separate source of supreme law. Federal statutes are laws enacted by Congress, but they must align with the Constitution; if they conflict, the Constitution prevails. Therefore, it is the Constitution that holds the highest authority in the legal hierarchy of the United States.