What document serves as the supreme law of the land in the United States?

The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land in the United States, establishing the framework for government and delineating the rights of the citizens. It provides the foundational legal structure for the federal government, outlining the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This supreme status means that any laws or actions by the government that conflict with the Constitution can be deemed unconstitutional and invalid.

The Declaration of Independence, while a crucial historical document, primarily outlines the reasons the American colonies sought independence from British rule and does not function as a governing document. The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt at a national government, but they were ultimately replaced by the Constitution due to their weaknesses. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, is important for protecting individual liberties but does not hold the status of being the supreme law itself. The Constitution encompasses and incorporates the Bill of Rights within its legal framework.