Federal Supremacy

Definition

The constitutional principle that asserts U.S. federal law takes precedence over state laws and constitutions when there is conflict between them.

Analogy

Consider it like a school system - while each classroom (state) may have its own rules set by individual teachers, these rules cannot contradict or override school-wide policies set by the principal or school board (federal government).

Related terms

Supremacy Clause: Part of Article VI, Section 2 of the U.S Constitution stating that all treaties and federal laws are 'the supreme Law of the Land.'

Preemption Doctrine: A doctrine based on Supremacy Clause which holds that certain matters are primarily if not exclusively within federal control.

Commerce Clause: The clause in Article I, Section 8 giving Congress exclusive power over trade activities among states and with foreign nations and Indian tribes.