Question

The supremacy clause sets up a hierarchy that allows federalism to operate. What is correct hierarchy from greatest to least of the following?

1. state laws
2. acts and treaties of Congress
3. city and county ordinances
4. the Constitution
5. state constitutions
A. 4, 2, 5, 1, 3
B. 1, 4, 5, 3, 2
C. 4, 5, 2, 3, 1
D. 5, 3, 1, 2, 4

Answer 1

The most important is the Constitution of the United States. Following it is the work of Congress - which is bound by the Constitution ( so the first number will be 4, then 2).

After that comes the state laws: first the constitution of states (5), then state laws and city and county ordinances.

The correct answer is A. 4, 2, 5, 1, 3