Which statement describes express preemption in federalism?

• A. Express preemption occurs when Congress explicitly states that a federal law overrides state law.
• B. Express preemption occurs when a state court interprets federal law.
• C. Express preemption occurs when federal law is silent on a matter.
• D. Express preemption occurs when state law prevails due to policy reasons.

Answer: (A)

Express preemption happens when Congress uses explicit language in a federal statute to declare that the federal rule overrides state law. This relies on the Supremacy Clause, which makes federal law the supreme law of the land, and it requires clear, direct statements within the statute that state or local laws are displaced in a particular area.

This is different from how preemption can occur by implication. If a federal law is silent on a matter, there isn’t express preemption; courts might consider implied preemption based on the statute’s structure or because a federal rule occupying the field or conflicting with state law leaves no room for state regulation.

It’s also not about a state court interpreting federal law or about state law prevailing for policy reasons. A state court interpreting federal law is simply a judicial interpretation, not a congressional directive, and a policy-driven state override would conflict with the Supremacy Clause, not preempt it.