What is the highest law of the land?

The Constitution is recognized as the highest law of the land in the United States, a principle established by the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI. This means that all federal laws, state laws, and even state constitutions must conform to the guidelines set forth in the Constitution. It serves as the foundational legal document for governance and civil rights, outlining the structure of government and the rights of citizens.

In contrast, state constitutions and federal statutes are important legal documents but are subordinate to the Constitution. They cannot contravene the principles established in the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, while a significant historical text proclaiming the colonies' freedom from British rule, does not function as a legal document and therefore does not hold the same legal authority or application. Thus, the Constitution stands as the supreme governing framework in the United States.