What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is referred to as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and its relationship with the states and citizens. It outlines the structure of the government, defines the powers of various branches, protects individual rights, and is the highest legal authority in the country. This means that any laws or government actions that conflict with the Constitution are not valid.

While the Bill of Rights is an important part of the Constitution that guarantees specific rights to individuals, it does not serve as the overarching legal document. The Declaration of Independence, though significant as a historical document declaring freedom from British rule, does not provide legal authority or a governing framework. Similarly, the Emancipation Proclamation, issued during the Civil War, was important for its role in ending slavery but was not itself a governing document and did not establish law in a comprehensive manner. Each of these alternatives plays a crucial role in American history and legal development, but none hold the same authority as the Constitution itself.