What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land, which means it serves as the highest legal authority in the United States. This principle is established in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, often referred to as the Supremacy Clause. This clause asserts that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, takes precedence over any conflicting state laws.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it forms the foundation of the legal system in the United States. It ensures that all states and government officials must follow the Constitution, even if state laws might conflict with it. This creates a unified legal framework throughout the country, allowing for consistent interpretations of rights and government powers.

In contrast, all state laws operate within the confines of the Constitution; they cannot supersede it. The Bill of Rights, while a critical component of the Constitution that outlines individual rights, is not the entirety of the supreme law itself. International treaties, while having force in the U.S. legal system, must also align with the Constitution and cannot undermine its authority.