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

• A. The Declaration of Independence
• B. The Constitution
• C. The Articles of Confederation
• D. The Federalist Papers

Answer: (B)

The highest legal authority in the United States is the Constitution, backed by the Supremacy Clause. This clause places the Constitution, along with laws made under it and treaties, above all other laws, binding on both the federal government and the states. The Constitution created a lasting framework with three branches and checks and balances, replacing the earlier Articles of Confederation, which proved too weak to hold the new nation together. The Declaration of Independence is a statement of principles rather than law, and the Federalist Papers are persuasive essays advocating for ratification, not binding legal authority.