What is considered the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it serves as the foundational legal document for the United States government. It outlines the structure of the government, defines the powers and responsibilities of each branch, and establishes the rights of citizens. The principle of "supremacy" established in Article VI of the Constitution indicates that it takes precedence over any state laws and plays a critical role in ensuring a unified legal framework across the country. This means that any law or action that contradicts the Constitution can be deemed unconstitutional and therefore invalid.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence, while a pivotal document in American history, primarily served to declare the colonies' independence from British rule and does not function as a governing legal document. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protects individual liberties but is part of the Constitution itself rather than a separate law. The Federalist Papers are a collection of writings that argue in favor of the ratification of the Constitution and provide insight into the framers' intentions but do not have legal authority or status as law.