Which document serves as the highest law of the state of North Carolina?

The North Carolina Constitution serves as the highest law of the state of North Carolina because it establishes the fundamental framework of governance and the principles that guide the state's legal system. It delineates the structure of government, the powers of the branches of government, the rights of the citizens, and provides the overarching legal principles that govern all other laws and statutory frameworks within the state.

In legal hierarchy, the state constitution is paramount, meaning that all state laws, including the General Statutes, executive orders, and municipal codes, must conform to the directives and stipulations outlined in the constitution. If a law or regulation conflicts with the constitution, it may be deemed unenforceable or invalid.

In contrast, the North Carolina General Statutes represent codified laws enacted by the legislature under the framework provided by the constitution. State Executive Orders, typically issued by the governor, pertain to the administration of the state's executive branch but do not hold the same legal weight as the constitution. Municipal Codes provide local laws and regulations specific to cities or counties but, again, must align with the constitution and cannot supersede it.

This foundational aspect of the constitution is critical for maintaining a consistent and coherent legal system throughout the state. The supremacy of the state constitution ensures that all other laws