What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the framework of the federal government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens. It serves as the highest legal authority in the United States, meaning that any law or act of government that contradicts the Constitution is deemed invalid.

The Constitution also provides a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial. This creates a stable legal foundation upon which the government operates and protects the rights of individuals.

The other documents mentioned, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, play crucial roles in American history and law, but they do not hold the same legal authority as the Constitution. The Declaration primarily served to announce the colonies' separation from British rule and outline fundamental principles of government, while the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee specific rights to individuals. The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the Constitution because they proved inadequate for governing the nation effectively.