Which document is considered the supreme law of the land in the United States?

The U.S. Constitution is regarded as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the federal government and delineates the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. As the highest legal authority, it supersedes any state laws or regulations that may be in conflict, ensuring a cohesive and uniform legal structure across the nation. The Constitution also outlines the system of checks and balances among the branches of government, aiming to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The Declaration of Independence, while a critical historical document that articulated the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence from British rule, does not have legal standing or enforceable power within the framework of the government. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, serving as a guide to understanding the framers' intentions, but they do not hold legal authority themselves. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties and rights, but it is part of the Constitution rather than a document that stands above it. Thus, the U.S. Constitution is uniquely positioned as the ultimate source of law within the American legal system.