What is the highest law of the land?

The U.S. Constitution is considered the highest law of the land due to its role as the supreme legal document that establishes the framework of the federal government, delineates the powers of that government, and guarantees rights to the citizens. This principle is encapsulated in the Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, which asserts that the Constitution, along with laws made pursuant to it, take precedence over any conflicting state laws or constitutions.

By design, the Constitution unites the states under a common legal foundation, ensuring that all citizens are provided with the same basic rights and protections across the country. Although the Bill of Rights serves as critical amendments that protect individual liberties, it functions as part of the broader Constitution. State constitutions and federal laws, while they hold significant importance and authority within their respective jurisdictions, do not supersede the Constitution itself. Thus, the U.S. Constitution stands as the foremost authority in the American legal system.