Which document is referred to as the "Supreme Law of the Land"?

Which document is referred to as the "Supreme Law of the Land"?

• A. State Constitutions
• B. U.S. Constitution
• C. The Declaration of Independence
• D. International law agreements

Answer: (B)

The U.S. Constitution is referred to as the "Supreme Law of the Land" because of its status established by the Supremacy Clause, located in Article VI, Clause 2. This clause clearly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made in accordance with it, and treaties made under its authority, shall be the supreme law, effectively overriding any conflicting state laws or constitutions. This foundational principle ensures a uniform standard for all states and federal actions, emphasizing the primacy of federal law in the American legal system. Other documents, such as state constitutions or international law agreements, do not hold this supreme status within the hierarchy of laws in the United States. The Declaration of Independence, while a crucial historical document, does not serve as a legal framework or governance document and thus does not possess the power or authority of law.

The U.S. Constitution is referred to as the "Supreme Law of the Land" because of its status established by the Supremacy Clause, located in Article VI, Clause 2. This clause clearly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made in accordance with it, and treaties made under its authority, shall be the supreme law, effectively overriding any conflicting state laws or constitutions. This foundational principle ensures a uniform standard for all states and federal actions, emphasizing the primacy of federal law in the American legal system.

Other documents, such as state constitutions or international law agreements, do not hold this supreme status within the hierarchy of laws in the United States. The Declaration of Independence, while a crucial historical document, does not serve as a legal framework or governance document and thus does not possess the power or authority of law.