What does the supremacy clause establish?

The supremacy clause, found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution, asserts that federal law is the ultimate authority in the legal hierarchy of the United States. This clause establishes that when there is a conflict between state law and federal law, federal law prevails. This principle is fundamental to the federal structure of the government, ensuring that national laws uniformly apply across all states, thereby promoting consistency and stability within the legal framework of the country.

In cases where state and federal laws may clash, courts typically reference the supremacy clause to resolve these issues, confirming the federal laws' dominance. This principle is essential for maintaining a cohesive legal system, ensuring that individual states cannot enact laws that contradict or undermine federal legislation. Without this clause, states could potentially create a patchwork of conflicting laws, complicating governance and legal enforcement across state lines.