Why is the supremacy clause considered to be “the root of federalism”?
A. It describes the relationship between federal and state power.
B. It outlines the basic rights due to every american citizen.
C. It lists the powers that are directly reserved for each of the states.
D. It identifies the “supreme law of the land” as the us president.
Answer:- B. It outlines the basic rights due to every american citizen.
The supremacy clause, in Article VI of the Constitution, declares that to be “the supreme law” on a land is both the constitution itself and laws made by federal government; therefore state’s or individual can not apply their own State Law while conflicts with Federal one. However, all laws and actions of a state that contravene with the powers thus enumerated by the federal government will be considered nullified for purposes if supremacy.
The supremacy clause is the primary pillar of federalism because it mandates that certain fields are under federal control while others are controlled by state governments. It eliminates confusion or conflict between federal and state authority. In areas like national defense, foreign policy interstate commerce currency and immigration among others the federal government has power. States have the power to control such domains as education, intrastate infrastructure, health and safety regulations at the local level government
When the Constitution explicitly made federal law prevail over state laws, it ensured that there would not be disunity in application of laws across United States. On the other hand, it leaves much power with state and local governments. This balance of national and state power is the defining feature of federalism . This delicately balanced relationship is maintained by the supremacy clause whose name, therefore allows it to be termed as a “root” that sustains and upholds any constitution created federal system.
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