Wisconsin Civics Practice Test

The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it establishes the foundational legal framework for the United States government and its relationship with the states and citizens. As the highest legal authority, the Constitution provides the rules and principles that govern the nation, ensuring that all laws and policies align with its provisions. This supremacy is emphasized in Article VI, Clause 2, known as the Supremacy Clause, which explicitly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it, takes precedence over state laws.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence primarily serves as a historic document articulating the colonies' reasons for separating from British rule and does not function as a governing framework. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual liberties but are part of the Constitution rather than a standalone document of supreme law. The Federalist Papers, which were written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, provide important insight and arguments in support of the Constitution but do not hold legal authority themselves.