Which clause states that federal law is the supreme law of the land?

• A. The Full Faith and Credit Clause
• B. The Due Process Clause
• C. The Supremacy Clause (Article VI)
• D. The Elastic Clause

Answer: (C)

Federal law’s supremacy over state law is established by the Supremacy Clause in Article VI. This clause declares that the Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, and judges in every state must be bound by them, even when state laws or constitutions would say otherwise. When a conflict arises between federal and state law, the federal measure prevails. This principle was reinforced in cases like McCulloch v. Maryland, which upheld federal authority over conflicting state action. The other clauses don’t establish this hierarchy: the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to recognize each other’s public acts and records; the Due Process Clauses protect fair procedures and fundamental rights; and the Elastic Clause allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper to execute its powers.