Which document is the supreme law of the land in the United States?

Which document is the supreme law of the land in the United States?

• A. The Declaration of Independence
• B. The Magna Carta
• C. The U.S. Constitution
• D. The Federal Register

Answer: (C)

The U.S. Constitution is the highest authority because it establishes the structure and powers of the national government and protects foundational rights. The Supremacy Clause makes clear that the Constitution, federal laws made under it, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, binding on both federal and state governments. That means any law or state constitution that conflicts with the Constitution is invalid. The other options don’t function as the supreme law. The Declaration of Independence is a historical statement of ideals, not binding law. The Magna Carta influenced early legal concepts but has no legal authority in the United States. The Federal Register is simply the official publication for federal rules and notices, not the governing rulebook.

The U.S. Constitution is the highest authority because it establishes the structure and powers of the national government and protects foundational rights. The Supremacy Clause makes clear that the Constitution, federal laws made under it, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, binding on both federal and state governments. That means any law or state constitution that conflicts with the Constitution is invalid.

The other options don’t function as the supreme law. The Declaration of Independence is a historical statement of ideals, not binding law. The Magna Carta influenced early legal concepts but has no legal authority in the United States. The Federal Register is simply the official publication for federal rules and notices, not the governing rulebook.