Which document serves as the supreme law of the land in the United States?

The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land in the United States because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the nation, outlining the structure of government, the powers of various branches, and the rights of citizens. It is the highest form of law in the U.S., meaning that any laws or government actions that conflict with it are considered invalid.

The Constitution not only provides the guidelines for legislative processes, executive authority, and judicial review but also incorporates amendments that ensure individual rights and liberties, underscoring its pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law and democratic principles. This supremacy of the Constitution is reinforced by the Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, which explicitly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it, shall be the supreme law of the land.

The Declaration of Independence is a historical document that proclaimed the colonies' separation from Great Britain but does not function as law. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution and explaining its principles, but they do not carry legal weight themselves. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, but they were replaced by the Constitution due to their inherent weaknesses in governance.