What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the framework for the U.S. government and guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens. As the foundational legal document, the Constitution outlines the structure of the government, delineates the powers of its branches, and defines the relationship between the federal government and the states. When conflicts arise between laws, the Constitution serves as the ultimate guide for resolving those discrepancies, ensuring that all laws and governmental actions align with its principles.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence is primarily a statement of principles and reasons for separating from British rule but does not serve as a governing document. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, safeguarding individual liberties but cannot supersede the Constitution itself. The Emancipation Proclamation was a significant executive order issued during the Civil War that aimed to free enslaved people but also does not hold the weight of law in the same way the Constitution does. Understanding the pivotal role of the Constitution in American law and governance is essential in recognizing its status as the supreme law.