Which principle describes the relationship between national and state governments in a federal system?

• A. State laws always outrank national laws.
• B. The monarch makes all laws.
• C. The national law takes precedence over state laws.
• D. There are no laws at the national level.

Answer: (C)

In a federal system, power is shared between national and state governments, each with its own areas of authority. The crucial point is that when federal law is properly enacted and valid under the Constitution, it takes precedence over state laws. This principle, enshrined in the Supremacy Clause, ensures a single national standard in areas Congress controls, while still allowing states to regulate local matters as long as their laws don’t conflict with federal law or the Constitution. For example, federal statutes on civil rights or interstate commerce override conflicting state statutes, while states can address local issues that aren’t covered by federal law.