Federal vs. State Law

Federal law is established by the national government and applies across the entire country, addressing issues like constitutional rights, immigration, and interstate commerce. State law is created by individual state governments and governs matters specific to each state, such as education, local criminal laws, and property rules. When a conflict arises, federal law generally takes precedence due to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This system allows for a balance where the federal government handles broad, nationwide issues, while states manage local concerns, ensuring laws are suited to regional needs.