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.
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