Can states make and enforce laws?

Asked by: Loy Lockman  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)

The Supreme Court has consistently held that as a general rule every state is entitled to make its own laws, and so a state is allowed to apply its own law in its own courts as long as it has sufficient contacts with the matter being adjudicated.

Who enforces laws in the states?

The executive branch consists of the President, his or her advisors and various departments and agencies. This branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land.

What laws can a state not make?

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title ...

Who makes and enforces laws, federal or state?

The executive branch enforces laws. The judicial branch interprets laws. The legislative branch makes new laws and modifies existing laws. The legislature includes elected representatives from the various regions of the city, county or state.

What are three things state governments cannot do?

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title ...

Viewer question: Does federal law override state law?

30 related questions found

What powers do states have?

State Government Powers:
  • Establish local governments.
  • Issue licenses for marriage, driving, hunting, etc...
  • Regulate commerce within the state.
  • Conduct elections.
  • Ratify amendments.
  • Support the public health of the citizens.
  • Set laws for legal drinking and smoking ages.
  • Create state Constitutions.

What is Article 7 of the Constitution mainly about?

The text of Article VII declares that the Constitution shall become the official law of the ratifying states when nine states ratified the document.

Can a state make and enforce laws?

The Supreme Court has consistently held that as a general rule every state is entitled to make its own laws, and so a state is allowed to apply its own law in its own courts as long as it has sufficient contacts with the matter being adjudicated.

Who controls the laws in a state?

The State Legislature is the part of the state government that makes laws. Most State Legislatures have two parts, like the U.S. Congress does. Most states have State Senators and State Representatives to make state laws. We elect our State Senators and State Representatives.

What branch overrides a veto?

Congress can override a veto by passing the act by a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. (Usually an act is passed with a simple majority.)

What are 5 things states Cannot do?

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title ...

What state has no laws?

Slab City, California

It is just a hundred miles east of San Diego. It is a free alternative living community that was a World War 2 base, Marine Barracks Camp. The name Slab City was coined from the concrete slabs that were the remains of the military base after it was abandoned.

What can override state law?

Federal laws take precedence over state and local law, and state law can take precedence over local law. Once Congress has passed legislation, any state or local law that conflicts with federal law is invalid.

Who has the highest authority in law enforcement?

Answer and Explanation: The Department of Justice is the law enforcement agency with the most power in the United States. In fact, its job is to enforce federal laws. The Department of Justice is led by the attorney general, a cabinet-level official who is appointed by the president.

How does a state pass a law?

Most bills require a majority vote (it must pass by 21 votes in the Senate and 41 votes in the Assembly), while urgency measures and appropriation bills require a two-thirds vote (27 in the Senate, 54 in the Assembly).

Does the Constitution say no one is above the law?

Another important idea is the “rule of law.” The rule of law means that everyone must obey the law and no one is above the law. This means that the government and its leaders must also obey the law. Our Constitution was written in 1787.

Who enforces laws in States?

In every state, the executive branch is headed by a governor who is directly elected by the people. In most states, the other leaders in the executive branch are also directly elected, including the lieutenant governor, the attorney general, the secretary of state, and auditors and commissioners.

What is the difference between federal and state law enforcement?

Federal law enforcement agencies typically have their own specialties to tackle different realms of crime, like the DEA for drugs and ATF for weapons, whereas a State police department will have departments within that agency to combat those sorts of crimes.

What is Section 5 of the 14th Amendment?

Section Five of the Fourteenth Amendment vests Congress with the authority to adopt “appropriate” legislation to enforce the other parts of the Amendment—most notably, the provisions of Section One.

Who has the power to enforce laws?

Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of laws created by Congress. Fifteen executive departments—each led by an appointed member of the President's Cabinet—carry out the day-to-day administration of the Federal Government.

Can states ignore federal law?

Ableman found that the Constitution gave the Supreme Court final authority to determine the extent and limits of federal power and that the states therefore do not have the power to nullify federal law.

What does the 14th Amendment say about insurrection?

It banned those who “engaged in insurrection” against the United States from holding any civil, military, or elected office without the approval of two-thirds of the House and Senate.

What does the 26th Amendment state?

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Is God mentioned in the Constitution?

In the United States, the federal constitution does not make a reference to God as such, although it uses the formula "the year of our Lord" in Article VII.

What two powers are denied from Congress in the Constitution?

Section 9 Powers Denied Congress

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.