What is the supreme law of the land?

• A. The Constitution
• B. The Declaration of Independence
• C. The Articles of Confederation
• D. The Bill of Rights

Answer: (A)

The supreme law of the land is the Constitution. It sets up the structure of the U.S. government, defines the powers and limits of each branch, and protects fundamental rights. The key reason it is supreme is the Supremacy Clause in Article VI, which says the Constitution, and laws made under it, shall be the supreme Law of the Land, with judges in every state bound by it. This makes the Constitution the highest legal authority and ensures federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws. The Bill of Rights are amendments to the Constitution, so they are part of the same supreme law. The Declaration of Independence is a political/philosophical statement, not a binding legal framework, and the Articles of Confederation created a weaker central government and were superseded by the Constitution.