Which article contains the Supremacy Clause establishing that the Constitution, laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land?

• A. Article IV
• B. Article VI
• C. Article VII
• D. Article III

Answer: (B)

The principle being tested is federal supremacy: when there’s a conflict between state law and federal law, the Constitution, federal statutes enacted under it, and treaties take precedence. This authority is stated in the Supremacy Clause, found in the article that also covers the duties and powers within the federal government. It declares that the Constitution, laws made pursuant to it, and all treaties made under the authority of the United States shall be the supreme law of the land, binding judges in every state regardless of any state provisions to the contrary. That direct statement is what makes this the best answer: it explicitly establishes the highest law of the land. The other articles address different aspects of the structure and ratification of the government, not this principle of federal primacy.