What takes precedence over all laws in the United States?

Federal law takes precedence over all laws in the United States due to the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution. This clause establishes that the Constitution, along with federal statutes and treaties made under its authority, is the supreme law of the land. This means that when there is a conflict between federal law and state or local laws, federal law prevails.

This principle ensures a uniform legal framework across the country, which is especially important in areas such as civil rights, commerce, and immigration, where inconsistency among states could lead to significant legal and practical challenges. The hierarchy established by the Supremacy Clause reflects the framers' intent to create a cohesive national governance structure while still allowing for state laws to operate within their jurisdictions, as long as they do not conflict with federal laws.