Which statement about the relationship between the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions is true?

• A. State constitutions are supreme over the U.S. Constitution.
• B. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land; state constitutions govern state affairs.
• C. They have equal authority in all matters.
• D. State constitutions can override federal rights.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that federal law has higher authority than state law. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and the Supremacy Clause makes federal constitutional rights and laws prevail over any state constitution. State constitutions govern how state governments are organized and protect rights within the state, as long as they don’t conflict with federal law or the federal Constitution. When there’s a clash, the federal provisions win. So the statement that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that state constitutions govern state affairs is true. The other options would put state authority above the federal level or claim federal rights can be overridden by states, which isn’t correct.