Which clause establishes that national law takes precedence over state law?

• A. Supremacy Clause
• B. Commerce Clause
• C. Necessary and Proper Clause
• D. Full Faith and Credit Clause

Answer: (A)

The Supremacy Clause says the Constitution and laws made under its authority are the supreme law of the land, binding on state governments even when state laws or constitutions conflict with federal law. This principle creates a uniform legal framework across the United States and is why national law takes precedence. The other clauses do not establish this hierarchy: the Commerce Clause gives Congress power to regulate trade, not to declare that federal law overrides state law in general; the Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to enact laws needed to carry out its powers, but does not establish supremacy over states by itself; and the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to recognize each other's public acts and records, without establishing a national-law priority over state laws.