How does Wyoming's constitution relate to federal rights?

• A. The state constitution operates within the federal constitutional framework; it cannot violate federal rights; may provide additional protections.
• B. It must seek federal approval for any additional protections.
• C. It can override federal rights when it sees fit.
• D. It disregards federal rights in favor of state sovereignty.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that a state constitution must operate within the federal framework and cannot violate federal rights, though it can add its own protections. Under the Supremacy Clause, the U.S. Constitution is the highest law, so any Wyoming provision that conflicts with federal rights would be unconstitutional and subject to federal review. At the same time, Wyoming can enshrine additional protections beyond what the federal Constitution guarantees, as long as those protections do not undermine or contradict federal rights. This means Wyoming’s constitution respects federal rights and may extend protections, rather than disregarding or overriding them.