What does the Supremacy Clause do when federal law conflicts with state law?

What does the Supremacy Clause do when federal law conflicts with state law?

• A. Federal law prevails over conflicting state law, and federal authority preempts state action where Congress validly regulates
• B. State law prevails in case of conflict
• C. Courts decide which law prevails
• D. It has no effect on preemption

Answer: (A)

Federal law prevails over conflicting state law, and federal authority preempts state action where Congress validly regulates. The Supremacy Clause makes the Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties the supreme law of the land, binding on state courts. When a state law clashes with valid federal regulation, the state provision is displaced to the extent of the conflict. Preemption can be express, or implied if federal regulation occupies the field or makes compliance with both impossible. The other statements contradict the core idea of federal supremacy in this area.

Federal law prevails over conflicting state law, and federal authority preempts state action where Congress validly regulates. The Supremacy Clause makes the Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties the supreme law of the land, binding on state courts. When a state law clashes with valid federal regulation, the state provision is displaced to the extent of the conflict. Preemption can be express, or implied if federal regulation occupies the field or makes compliance with both impossible. The other statements contradict the core idea of federal supremacy in this area.