Federal Preemption

Definition

Federal preemption refers to the principle that federal laws and regulations take precedence over conflicting state or local laws in certain areas, such as gun control. This means that when federal law preempts state or local law, the latter is invalidated.

Related terms

Supremacy Clause: The Supremacy Clause is a clause in the U.S. Constitution that establishes that federal law takes precedence over state and local laws in cases of conflict.

Dillon's Rule: Dillon's Rule is a legal doctrine used in some states that states that local governments only have powers granted to them by the state government.

Devolution: Devolution refers to the transfer of power from a central government (such as the federal government) to lower levels of government (such as states or municipalities).