What does the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution establish in terms of federal and state law?

The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, establishes that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over any conflicting state laws. This means that when there is a conflict between federal and state legislation, federal law is the governing authority. This principle is essential for maintaining a uniform legal framework across the United States, ensuring that states cannot enact laws that contradict federal legislation in areas where Congress has the authority to legislate.

In practical terms, this means that if a state law contradicts a federal law, the federal law will prevail, and state officials will be required to adhere to it. This framework helps to prevent a patchwork of state laws that could undermine national interests or create confusion and disparity among the states. The Supremacy Clause reinforces the authority of the federal government and supports the idea of a cohesive legal system.