What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land in the United States. This designation means that it establishes the foundational legal framework for the nation, outlining the structure of the government, the powers granted to it, and the rights of the citizens. Article VI of the Constitution explicitly states that it, along with treaties made under its authority, shall be the supreme law of the land, meaning that any laws or state constitutions that conflict with the Constitution are invalid.

This coherence of authority helps to maintain a uniform legal system across the states and ensures that federal law takes precedence over state law when conflicts arise. In this context, both federal laws and state laws derive their authority from the Constitution, but they cannot overrule it. The Declaration of Independence, while a pivotal historical document asserting the colonies' independence from British rule, does not serve as a governing legal framework and, therefore, is not considered the supreme law.