Under federalism, which is always supreme?

• A. The Constitution
• B. State constitutions
• C. Local ordinances
• D. Presidential decrees

Answer: (A)

In a federal system, the Constitution is the highest authority. The Supremacy Clause makes the Constitution (and valid federal laws and treaties made under it) the supreme law of the land, binding governments at all levels. Because of this, state constitutions cannot override the U.S. Constitution, and local ordinances must conform to federal and state law and cannot conflict with constitutional protections. Executive actions, like presidential decrees, also cannot violate the Constitution and can be overturned if they do. So the Constitution is always the supreme authority.