What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land, meaning that it is the highest legal authority in the United States. This designation is crucial because it establishes the framework for government and delineates the rights of individuals and the powers of the state. All laws made by federal and state legislatures must comply with the Constitution; if a law contradicts it, that law can be deemed unconstitutional and therefore invalid.

Understanding this principle is essential for citizenship, as it emphasizes the importance of the Constitution in maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual liberties. Federal laws and other documents, like the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence, are significant, but they derive their authority from the Constitution. Thus, while they play an essential role in American governance and rights, they do not hold the same status as the Constitution itself.