Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

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

1. The Magna Carta

2. The Articles of Confederation

3. The Constitution

4. The Declaration of Independence

The correct answer is: The Constitution

The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land in the United States because it establishes the framework for the federal government, defines the powers of the three branches of government, and outlines the rights of the citizens. It is the foundational document that guides the legal system and governance of the country. The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, asserts that the Constitution, along with federal laws made pursuant to it, takes precedence over state laws and constitutions. This ensures that there is a consistent legal framework across all states, promoting unity and stability in the rule of law. Other documents, such as the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence, played significant roles in shaping American governance and democratic principles, but they do not hold the same legal authority as the Constitution. The Magna Carta primarily addressed the relationship between the monarchy and the nobility in England, while the Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States but proved ineffective, leading to the drafting of the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence primarily articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Britain, but it is not a governing document and does not establish legal frameworks for governance.