Which document is known as the supreme law of the land?

The U.S. Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and its relationship to the citizens. In Article VI, Clause 2, known as the Supremacy Clause, it states that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, takes precedence over state laws and constitutions. This designation means that any laws or actions by state governments must align with the provisions set forth in the Constitution. Furthermore, the Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and limitations of the federal government, thus providing a uniform legal standard that governs the entire nation.

The Bill of Rights is a collection of the first ten amendments to the Constitution that specifically protect individual liberties but does not serve as the overall governing document. The Declaration of Independence, while a pivotal historical document outlining the colonies' break from British rule, does not function as a legal framework or governing law. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States but were ultimately found to be inadequate and were replaced by the Constitution, which addressed the weaknesses inherent in the earlier framework.