Which clause in the Constitution establishes the supremacy of federal law over state laws?

Prepare for the Creating the Constitution Test with interactive quizzes. Understand constitutional principles through engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Ace your Constitution exam!

The Supremacy Clause is found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution and establishes that the Constitution, and federal laws made pursuant to it, take precedence over state laws. This clause ensures that if there is a conflict between federal and state law, federal law prevails, thereby maintaining a uniform legal framework across the nation. The intention behind this clause was to prevent individual states from taking actions that would undermine federal policy and to ensure cohesion in the enforcement of laws throughout the United States.

In contrast, the Necessary and Proper Clause provides Congress the authority to enact laws necessary to implement its powers, but doesn't address the issue of the relationship between federal and state laws directly. The Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, which similarly does not establish supremacy. The Establishment Clause relates to the prohibition of Congress from establishing a religion, which is unrelated to the hierarchy of laws. Thus, the Supremacy Clause is specifically tailored to address the supremacy of federal law over state laws.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy