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

The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land in the United States because it establishes the framework of government, delineates the powers and responsibilities of various branches, and safeguards individual rights. It is the foundational legal document that guides the nation's laws and policies, ensuring that all laws created must align with its principles. Additionally, Article VI of the Constitution explicitly states that it, along with laws made in accordance with it, shall be the supreme law of the land, which means that federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a conflict. This status underscores its ultimate authority in the legal matter and government structure of the United States.

The Declaration of Independence is significant as it marks the formal separation from British rule, asserting the colonies' right to self-governance, but it does not function as a governing document. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, is crucial for protecting individual liberties but is not the overarching legal foundation. The Emancipation Proclamation, while historically important for abolishing slavery in certain states during the Civil War, does not hold the same legal authority and is not a foundational legal document for governance.