What does the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution establish?

The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, establishes that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are the supreme law of the land. This means that when there is a conflict between state laws and federal laws, federal law prevails. It ensures that all states must adhere to the Constitution and federal legislation, reinforcing the principle of a unified national legal framework. This clause is critical for maintaining the integrity of the federal system by affirming that the national interests, as expressed through federal statutes and treaties, take precedence over state laws. This foundational concept supports the notion of federalism and the structured relationship between national and state authorities.