What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the supreme law of the land in the United States, establishing the framework for the government and serving as the highest legal authority. This principle is rooted in the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI of the Constitution, which asserts that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, shall prevail over any conflicting state laws.

This foundational role of the Constitution means that when there is a disagreement between state laws and federal laws, the federal law prevails, provided the law is constitutional. The Constitution not only outlines the structure of government and the powers of its branches, but it also enumerates the rights and freedoms of individuals, providing a crucial check on government power.

Other options exist within the context of law-making, but they do not hold the same authoritative position as the Constitution. Federal laws, while important, derive their authority from the Constitution itself. State laws can vary widely and must conform to the stipulations of both federal law and the Constitution. International law, while it can be influential, does not have the supremacy that the Constitution possesses in domestic legal matters. Thus, the Constitution truly embodies the cornerstone of the American legal and governmental framework, ensuring that it is the ultimate reference point for legal authority.