Final answer:
The Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the U.S Constitution states that federal law takes precedence over state laws during conflict. Its purpose isn't to subjugate states to federal laws, but to affirm that the nation is bound by a uniform set of laws. These laws sometimes bring complications, as evidenced by differing state and federal laws on marijuana use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The section of the Constitution that articulates that federal law takes precedence over state laws when they are in conflict is called the Supremacy Clause. This clause is found in Article VI of the Constitution. It plainly states that the U.S. Constitution and federal laws enacted in accordance with it serve as 'the supreme Law of the Land.' This essentially means that in any situation where state laws clash with federal laws that are within the national government's constitutional authority, the federal laws will take precedence.
The function of the Supremacy Clause is not intended to place states beneath the federal government; rather, it reinforces that one set of laws binds the country. These laws can sometimes cause complications. For example, the case of marijuana laws: although federal law declares it illegal, there are 36 states and the District of Columbia that have formulated medical marijuana laws. This leads to a contradiction where the federal law could intercede if it chose to, adding to the complexity and debate on the topic.
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