Final answer:
The Supremacy Clause in the Constitution declares it as the highest law, overriding state laws and constitutions. The Supreme Court enforces this, ensuring that federal laws, when constitutional, are followed over conflicting state laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Supremacy Clause and its Implications
The Constitution is established as the highest law of the land, taking precedence over all other laws through the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI.
This clause expressly positions the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties made under the authority of the United States as the supreme Law of the Land. Furthermore, all judges in every state are obligated to follow the Constitution, even if state laws or constitutions contradict it.
The role of the Supreme Court is critical, as it has the responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the Constitution, especially when conflicts arise between federal and state laws.
An example of such a conflict is the differing approaches to marijuana legalization between the federal and state governments, where the federal government defines marijuana use as illegal while many states have legalized it in various forms.
Essentially, the hierarchy of laws in the United States follows the 'pecking order' of: Constitution > Federal Treaties > Federal Laws > State Constitutions > State Laws > Local Ordinances. There are no special exceptions, ensuring that everyone, including government officials, are subject to the same set of laws.