What does the Supremacy Clause address concerning federal and state law?

The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, establishes that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it take precedence over conflicting state laws. This means that when there is a conflict between federal and state legislation, federal law will prevail, ensuring a unified legal framework across the nation. This principle is crucial for maintaining consistency in how laws are applied and interpreted, allowing the federal government to enact laws that can uniformly apply across all states.

This foundational legal doctrine is essential for resolving disputes that arise when state laws contradict federal statutes, guiding the courts in determining which law should be followed during legal proceedings. In essence, it affirms that the federal government has the authority to enact laws that states cannot contradict, thereby promoting the rule of federal law in matters where jurisdiction is shared or legislative powers may conflict.