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 government of the United States and serves as the highest legal authority in the country. This designation means that all laws and government actions must be consistent with the Constitution. It outlines the structure of the government, the powers of each branch, and the rights of individuals, thereby ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and that any conflicting laws or actions must be measured against it.

The other options, while significant in American history, do not hold the same legal standing. The Declaration of Independence, for example, articulates the philosophy behind the decision to separate from Great Britain but does not serve as a governing document. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays supporting the ratification of the Constitution and, while influential, are not binding law. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States but were replaced by the Constitution due to their inadequacies in providing a functional national government.