What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is referred to as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the fundamental legal framework of the United States government and serves as the highest form of law within the country. It provides the foundational principles and guidelines that govern the United States, outlining the structure of government, the rights of citizens, and the powers and limitations of different branches of government.

As the supreme law, the Constitution takes precedence over all other laws, including federal laws and state laws. This means that if there is a conflict between a law made by Congress and the Constitution, the Constitution will prevail. This principle ensures that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are upheld and protected against infringement by legislatures at both the federal and state levels.

The other choices listed, while significant in various contexts, do not hold this same foundational role in the nation's legal hierarchy. The Declaration of Independence is an important historical document that declared the colonies' independence from British rule, but it does not serve as a governing legal framework. Federal law is important, but it is derived from the authority granted by the Constitution. State law is also crucial in governing individual states, but it cannot override the Constitution.