Can states override federal law?
Michael Gray
Updated on May 08, 2026
Article VI, Paragraph 2 of the U.S. Constitution is commonly referred to as the
Supremacy Clause
The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution of the United States (Article VI, Clause 2) establishes that the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties made under its authority, constitute the "supreme Law of the Land", and thus take priority over any conflicting state laws.
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What happens if a state disagrees with a federal law?
When state law and federal law conflict, federal law displaces, or preempts, state law, due to the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.Can states violate federal law?
State or local laws held to be preempted by federal law are void not because they contravene any provision of the Constitution, but rather because they conflict with a federal statute or treaty, and through operation of the Supremacy Clause.Why can states ignore federal law?
Under this, the compact theory, the states and not the federal courts are the ultimate interpreters of the extent of the federal government's power. Under this theory, the states therefore may reject, or nullify, federal laws that the states believe are beyond the federal government's constitutional powers.WHEN CAN states sue the federal government?
L. REV. 845, 849–50 (2012) (contending that States may sue the federal government only to protect their own “federal interests”—rights conferred by the Constitution or federal law—and not to challenge federal preemption).Can States Ignore Federal Law?
Does federal government have power over states?
Powers not granted to the Federal government are reserved for States and the people, which are divided between State and local governments. Most Americans have more frequent contact with their State and local governments than with the Federal Government.Can state executive orders override the Constitution?
A: Typically no, but in extraordinary cases (such as staying an Executive Order impacting thousands of travelers and millions of people) it can be. Appeals from a federal trial court go to an U.S. Circuit Court in the federal circuit where the trial court that issued the order or decision sits.Does an executive order supersede state law?
Executive Orders also must be “valid” in order to preempt state law.Do states have to obey presidential executive orders?
An executive order is declaration by the president or a governor which has the force of law, usually based on existing statutory powers. They do not require any action by the Congress or state legislature to take effect, and the legislature cannot overturn them.How can states pass laws that contradict federal law?
The Doctrine of Pre-emption and The Supremacy ClauseBasically, if a federal and state law contradict, then when you're in the state you can follow the state law, but the fed can decide to stop you.