Article VI: National Supremacy
The Supremacy Clause works through a clear hierarchy of authority:
Constitution at the top: The Constitution is the ultimate authority. No federal law, state law, or treaty can violate constitutional provisions.
Federal laws next: Federal statutes and regulations made according to constitutional procedures override conflicting state laws. This applies only to laws properly enacted within federal authority.
Treaties included: Treaties made by the United States have the same status as federal laws. This gives treaties significant weight in American law.
State laws at bottom: State constitutions and statutes must yield to federal law when conflicts arise. States retain significant power but cannot contradict valid federal law.
Judicial enforcement: Federal courts interpret and apply the Supremacy Clause, striking down state laws that conflict with federal law. State courts must also follow federal law under this clause.
This hierarchy creates a unified legal system while preserving state authority in areas where federal law is silent.
Article VI: National Supremacy
The Supremacy Clause works through a clear hierarchy of authority:
Constitution at the top: The Constitution is the ultimate authority. No federal law, state law, or treaty can violate constitutional provisions.
Federal laws next: Federal statutes and regulations made according to constitutional procedures override conflicting state laws. This applies only to laws properly enacted within federal authority.
Treaties included: Treaties made by the United States have the same status as federal laws. This gives treaties significant weight in American law.
State laws at bottom: State constitutions and statutes must yield to federal law when conflicts arise. States retain significant power but cannot contradict valid federal law.
Judicial enforcement: Federal courts interpret and apply the Supremacy Clause, striking down state laws that conflict with federal law. State courts must also follow federal law under this clause.
This hierarchy creates a unified legal system while preserving state authority in areas where federal law is silent.
Article VI: National Supremacy
The Supremacy Clause works through a clear hierarchy of authority:
Constitution at the top: The Constitution is the ultimate authority. No federal law, state law, or treaty can violate constitutional provisions.
Federal laws next: Federal statutes and regulations made according to constitutional procedures override conflicting state laws. This applies only to laws properly enacted within federal authority.
Treaties included: Treaties made by the United States have the same status as federal laws. This gives treaties significant weight in American law.
State laws at bottom: State constitutions and statutes must yield to federal law when conflicts arise. States retain significant power but cannot contradict valid federal law.
Judicial enforcement: Federal courts interpret and apply the Supremacy Clause, striking down state laws that conflict with federal law. State courts must also follow federal law under this clause.
This hierarchy creates a unified legal system while preserving state authority in areas where federal law is silent.