Final answer:
The statement that a state constitution is supreme within the borders of that state, even if it conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, is false. The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution establishes it as the 'supreme law of the land,' with federal laws and treaties holding precedence over state constitutions and laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. According to the Supremacy Clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution is deemed the 'supreme law of the land.' This clause explicitly states that federal laws, including the Constitution, take precedence over any conflicting state measures. Therefore, if a state constitution conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, it is the federal Constitution that reigns supreme within all states, not the state constitution. The pecking order of laws established is as follows: Constitution → Federal Treaties → Federal Laws → State Constitutions → State Laws → Local Ordinances. In this hierarchy, the Constitution sits at the absolute top, followed by federal laws and treaties, while state constitutions fall below them.
Furthermore, all judges in every state are bound by the federal Constitution, which highlights the emphasis on a unified legal framework for the entire nation. The principle of federalism and the role of the Supreme Court ensures the application and interpretation of constitutional laws, reinforcing the supremacy of federal legislation over state laws and constitutions when conflicts arise.