Question

In 1816 the Supreme Court ruled that it has the power to overturn state laws if those laws violate the U.S.

Constitution. What part of the Constitution could the justices have used to support their claim?

Answer 1

Answer: The Supremacy Clause

Explanation: Essentially a conflict-of-laws rule whereby certain federal laws take precedence over any state laws that conflict with federal law. Some lawyers further argue that this clause also invalidates an unconstitutional federal law, although this has been challenged.