Which principle allows the federal government to override state laws?

The supremacy clause is a fundamental principle embedded in the Constitution of the United States, specifically found in Article VI, Clause 2. It establishes that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are the supreme law of the land. This means that when there is a conflict between federal law and state law, federal law prevails.

This principle is crucial in maintaining a uniform legal framework across the states and ensuring that state laws do not contradict federal laws. For instance, if a state passes a law that is at odds with federal legislation, individuals and entities can challenge the state law, and it may be deemed invalid as a result of the supremacy clause.

Other options like equal protection, first amendment rights, and the commerce clause refer to specific rights or regulatory powers, but they do not establish the overarching authority of federal law over state law as the supremacy clause does.