What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution, establishes that federal law holds the highest authority in the legal hierarchy of the United States. This means that when there is a conflict between state law and federal law, federal law prevails. The principle behind this clause is to ensure a uniform national legal framework, preventing states from enacting laws that contradict federal legislation.

The intent of the Supremacy Clause is to create a cohesive legal system where federal laws are uniformly applied across all states, thereby reinforcing the authority of the federal government. This is essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that constitutional rights and federal policies are upheld consistently at the national level.