Asked by cool boy
What is an exception to the general rule that if something is against the law on a federal level, a state cannot decide it is legal?
arson of federal building
marijuana legalization
treasonous acts
dumping of toxic waste
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Marijuana legalization.
Explanation: Under the Supremacy Clause federal law preempts conflicting state law, but the federal government cannot force states to enforce federal law (the anti‑commandeering principle). So states can decriminalize or legalize marijuana under state law even though it remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act — federal law still technically applies and federal prosecutions remain possible. The other items (arson of a federal building, treason, and most unlawful dumping of toxic waste on federal property) would conflict directly with federal criminal statutes and/or federal interests and thus are not similar exceptions.
Explanation: Under the Supremacy Clause federal law preempts conflicting state law, but the federal government cannot force states to enforce federal law (the anti‑commandeering principle). So states can decriminalize or legalize marijuana under state law even though it remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act — federal law still technically applies and federal prosecutions remain possible. The other items (arson of a federal building, treason, and most unlawful dumping of toxic waste on federal property) would conflict directly with federal criminal statutes and/or federal interests and thus are not similar exceptions.
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