What is the status of the supremacy clause in Wyoming's Constitution?

• A. It places Wyoming law above federal law.
• B. There is no supremacy clause.
• C. It acknowledges the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution and federal law when applicable.
• D. Federal law always overrides state law even when not applicable.

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested here is how state constitutions handle federal supremacy. Wyoming’s Constitution includes a provision that mirrors the federal principle: the United States Constitution and valid federal laws are the supreme law of the land, but this applies only to matters within the federal government's authority. In other words, when federal law is applicable and conflicts with Wyoming law, federal law wins. In areas not governed by federal power, Wyoming law remains in effect.

That’s why the correct choice is that Wyoming acknowledges the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution and federal law when applicable. The other statements misstate the relationship: Wyoming does not place its law above federal law; there is a supremacy acknowledgment in the Wyoming Constitution; and federal law does not automatically override state law in every situation—only when it applies and there is a conflict.