What is the primary method for resolving conflicts between state and federal laws?

The primary method for resolving conflicts between state and federal laws is U.S. Supreme Court rulings. This is based on the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws in cases of conflict. When disputes arise about the interpretation of laws or whether state laws infringe upon federal statutes, the U.S. Supreme Court serves as the final arbitrator. The court examines the specific legal questions at hand and issues rulings that clarify the relationship between state and federal law, ensuring uniformity and adherence to the Constitution across the nation. Through judicial review, the Supreme Court has the authority to evaluate the constitutionality of both state and federal legislation, making its decisions critical in shaping the legal landscape of American federalism.

Other methods, like negotiation between state governors or judicial review by state courts, lack the constitutional authority and jurisdiction that the U.S. Supreme Court possesses. Additionally, while constitutional amendments could theoretically resolve conflicts, they are not a direct or practical method for addressing specific legal disputes that arise in the day-to-day functioning of laws.