AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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National Supremacy

Definition

National Supremacy: A constitutional doctrine (Article VI, Clause 2) that whenever conflict occurs between the constitutionally authorized actions of the national government and those of a state or local government, the actions of the federal government prevail. Because of national supremacy, the federal Clean Water Act overrules Colorado's water quality statute.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What does national supremacy mean in your own words?

  2. If you were writing a rap, what would be a good rhyme with national supremacy?

  3. What part of the Constitution set up National Supremacy?

  4. Identify any landmark Supreme Court cases that deals with the issue of national supremacy?

  5. What is the connection between national supremacy and federalism?

  6. What emoji would best summarize the meaning of national supremacy?

  7. Who does national supremacy benefit?

  8. If we were to try to get rid of national supremacy, how would our nation change?

  9. What did the Articles of Confederation say about national supremacy?

  10. What did the Constitution do to address the low level of national power created by the Articles of Confederation?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw national supremacy! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.


Further Review

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