The Constitution establishes the federal government and defines its powers, while reserving certain powers to the states. As the "supreme law of the land," the Constitution establishes the federal government's authority as supreme over the states in matters within its jurisdiction. This means that any state laws or actions that conflict with the Constitution are deemed invalid. The states retain the power to govern within the bounds of the Constitution, but cannot pass laws or take actions that conflict with it. The federal government has the power to ensure that the states are in compliance with the Constitution. This system of government is known as federalism.