What is considered the highest law of the land in the United States?

The U.S. Constitution is regarded as the highest law of the land in the United States because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the nation and outlines the structure of government, defines the powers and responsibilities of different branches, and safeguards individual rights. This supremacy is articulated in the Constitution itself, specifically in the Supremacy Clause, which asserts that the Constitution and federal laws made in accordance with it take precedence over state laws.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence serves as a historical document that declared the colonies' independence from Britain, but it does not establish a government framework or laws. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, focuses on protecting individual liberties but is part of the Constitution rather than a separate legal authority. The Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, provide important insights into its interpretation and principles, but they do not hold the weight of law themselves. Thus, the U.S. Constitution stands as the ultimate legal authority in the United States.