Which document represents the supreme law of the land?

The U.S. Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for the federal government and outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens. It was created in 1787 and has been amended several times to address the changing needs of the nation. The supremacy clause within the Constitution explicitly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made in accordance with it and treaties made under its authority, takes precedence over state laws. This foundational legal principle ensures that no state can enact laws that contradict the federal Constitution.

In contrast, the Articles of Confederation, while an important historical document, established a weaker federal government that ultimately proved ineffective in governing the states. The Declaration of Independence is a seminal document asserting the colonies' separation from British rule, outlining principles of individual rights and government authority, but it does not serve as a governing document. The Mayflower Compact, created by early settlers, served as a foundational agreement for self-governance but also does not have the extensive legal authority that the Constitution encompasses. Therefore, the U.S. Constitution's role as the guiding legal framework makes it the supreme law of the land.