In an essay, explain how you think a court would use the Supremacy Clause to settle the conflict below by answering the
following questions.
1. What two types/levels of laws are in conflict?
2. Which law would win under the Supremacy Clause?
3. What arguments can the State use to defend the law?
4. Is the State argument strong enough for the Supreme Court to make an exception to the Supremacy
Clause rule (the ladder of law?
The State of Wisconsin requires that students stay in school till the age of 16. Jonas Yoder is Amish and his three
children attend public school in Wisconsin. Yoder and his family belong to the Old Amish Order church and argue
that the state law is a violation of their religious freedom protected by the first amendment, Church teachings
require that students quit school at the age of 14 or after finishing 8 grade and assume their role as a full citteen
in Amish society. Most will marry soon after that and settle down into a life of farming. The Amish reject all
modern conveniences and live in tight knit communities. The state wants children to stay in school till the age of
16 so that they acquire basic skills that will help them become productive citizens.
The Ladder of Laws
Supremacy Clause - A Ladder of Laws
1. U.S. Constitution
2. Federal Laws and Treaties
3. State Constitutions
4. State Laws
5. Local Laws
CLOSE QUIZ
