What clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws are the highest laws of the land?

What clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws are the highest laws of the land?

• A. The Elastic Clause
• B. The Supremacy Clause
• C. The Commerce Clause
• D. The Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer: (B)

The Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws when there is a conflict between the two. This clause ensures a unified legal framework across the country, indicating that the Constitution, and the laws made in accordance with it, are the supreme law of the land. This means that when states enact laws that contradict federal laws, the federal laws will prevail. In the context of the functioning of the government, the Supremacy Clause is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the federal system. It helps to prevent states from enacting laws that could undermine or contradict federal policies, thereby ensuring consistency and stability in the legal system. This is especially important for areas that require a cohesive national approach, such as commerce, immigration, and civil rights. The other clauses mentioned play different roles in the Constitution. The Elastic Clause, for instance, grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary and proper for executing its powers, while the Commerce Clause gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce. Understanding the specific function of the Supremacy Clause helps in grasping the hierarchy of laws and the structure of governance within the United States.

The Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws when there is a conflict between the two. This clause ensures a unified legal framework across the country, indicating that the Constitution, and the laws made in accordance with it, are the supreme law of the land. This means that when states enact laws that contradict federal laws, the federal laws will prevail.

In the context of the functioning of the government, the Supremacy Clause is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the federal system. It helps to prevent states from enacting laws that could undermine or contradict federal policies, thereby ensuring consistency and stability in the legal system. This is especially important for areas that require a cohesive national approach, such as commerce, immigration, and civil rights.

The other clauses mentioned play different roles in the Constitution. The Elastic Clause, for instance, grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary and proper for executing its powers, while the Commerce Clause gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce. Understanding the specific function of the Supremacy Clause helps in grasping the hierarchy of laws and the structure of governance within the United States.