Which statement best describes the relationship established by the Supremacy Clause?

Which statement best describes the relationship established by the Supremacy Clause?

• A. Federal laws are subordinate to state constitutions
• B. Federal law is the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state laws and constitutions
• C. Local ordinances override federal statutes
• D. International treaties take priority over federal law

Answer: (B)

At the heart of the Supremacy Clause is the idea that the Constitution, along with federal statutes and treaties made under its authority, is the highest law in the land. States must follow this law even when their own constitutions or laws would prefer a different rule. When a federal law directly conflicts with a state law, the federal rule governs, and state provisions inconsistent with it cannot stand. This framework keeps national standards uniform across the country. Treaties are part of the supreme law as well, but they cannot override the Constitution; they can preempt state law just like federal statutes, so long as the treaty is valid and properly ratified.

At the heart of the Supremacy Clause is the idea that the Constitution, along with federal statutes and treaties made under its authority, is the highest law in the land. States must follow this law even when their own constitutions or laws would prefer a different rule. When a federal law directly conflicts with a state law, the federal rule governs, and state provisions inconsistent with it cannot stand. This framework keeps national standards uniform across the country. Treaties are part of the supreme law as well, but they cannot override the Constitution; they can preempt state law just like federal statutes, so long as the treaty is valid and properly ratified.