Understanding Constitutional Supremacy

What is constitutional supremacy?

• The constitution is the highest law, and all laws must conform to it.

• The constitution is only a guideline for governance.

• The constitution is optional for lawmakers.

• All laws can override the constitution.

How does constitutional supremacy differ from parliamentary sovereignty?

• Constitutional supremacy limits parliamentary power by establishing the constitution as the highest law, whereas parliamentary sovereignty grants parliament the ultimate authority to make laws without constitutional constraints.

• Constitutional supremacy allows parliament to override the constitution at any time.

• Constitutional supremacy grants parliament the power to amend the constitution without limits.

• Parliamentary sovereignty means the constitution is the only source of law.

Which document is considered the supreme law of the land in the United States?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution of the United States

• The Declaration of Independence

What role does the Supreme Court play in upholding constitutional supremacy?

• The Supreme Court creates new laws to enforce the Constitution.

• The Supreme Court upholds constitutional supremacy by interpreting the Constitution and ensuring laws comply with it.

• The Supreme Court has no role in interpreting the Constitution.

• The Supreme Court only reviews cases related to criminal law.

Can state laws override federal laws under constitutional supremacy?

• Yes, state laws can override federal laws in certain cases.

• State laws can override federal laws if they are more recent.

• State laws can override federal laws if they are approved by the Supreme Court.

• No, state laws cannot override federal laws.

What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison in relation to constitutional supremacy?

• It limited the powers of the Supreme Court.

• It was the first case to address the issue of federalism.

• It established the right to vote for all citizens.

• Marbury v. Madison is significant for establishing the principle of judicial review, reinforcing constitutional supremacy.

How does constitutional supremacy affect the balance of power among branches of government?

• Constitutional supremacy ensures that no branch of government exceeds its authority, maintaining a balance of power through checks and balances.

• It eliminates the need for checks and balances among branches.

• Constitutional supremacy allows one branch to dominate the others.

• Constitutional supremacy has no impact on the distribution of power.

What are some examples of constitutional supremacy in action?

• The repeal of the Constitution

• The establishment of a monarchy

• Examples include judicial review cases like Marbury v. Madison, enforcement of the Bill of Rights, and checks on executive power through constitutional mandates.

• The creation of new laws without legislative approval

How does constitutional supremacy protect individual rights?

• Constitutional supremacy protects individual rights by ensuring that all laws and government actions must comply with the constitution, allowing for legal challenges against infringements.

• Constitutional supremacy eliminates the need for laws that protect individual rights.

• Constitutional supremacy allows the government to override individual rights at any time.

• It ensures that individual rights are only protected during elections.

What is the relationship between constitutional supremacy and judicial review?

• Constitutional supremacy negates the need for judicial review.

• Judicial review is unrelated to constitutional supremacy.

• Judicial review only applies to state laws, not the constitution.

• Judicial review upholds constitutional supremacy by ensuring laws and actions conform to the constitution.