What is the base of the legal hierarchy in Tennessee?

The correct answer identifies the U.S. Constitution as the base of the legal hierarchy in Tennessee. As part of the federal legal framework, the U.S. Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, meaning that all state laws, including the Tennessee Constitution, must comply with its principles and provisions.

In a legal context, when there is a conflict between federal and state laws, federal law takes precedence due to the Supremacy Clause found in the U.S. Constitution. This establishes the U.S. Constitution as foundational to the legal system, ensuring that all citizens are guaranteed their rights and protections uniformly across the states, including Tennessee.

While the Tennessee Constitution, state laws, and local ordinances are vital components of the state's legal system, they are subordinate to the U.S. Constitution. The hierarchy starts at the national level with the U.S. Constitution and flows down through state constitutions and laws to local ordinances, ensuring consistency and adherence to federal standards.