What does the supremacy clause in the U.S. Constitution establish?

The supremacy clause, found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, asserts that the Constitution serves as the highest legal authority within the United States. This means that federal laws and treaties established under the Constitution are superior to any conflicting state laws. This provision is vital because it ensures a uniform application of laws across the country, preventing states from enacting legislation that may contradict federal statutes or the Constitution itself.

The supremacy clause establishes a legal hierarchy that promotes national unity and consistency in the legal framework, ensuring that no state can make laws that would undermine federal laws. While the other choices touch on different aspects of legal relationships, they do not accurately reflect the role and significance of the supremacy clause. By affirming that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, it provides a foundational principle for the operation of the U.S. legal system.