Question

federal law allows prisons to use solitary confinement. a state passes a law to prohibit the use of solitary confinement on juveniles and people living with mental illness.
federal law requires that employers offer a minimum wage of at least $7.25 an hour. a state passes a law to raise its minimum wage to $12.50 an hour.
federal law protects the right to vote. a state passes a law requiring employers to offer paid time off on election days so more people can vote.
federal law requires car companies to make vehicles that travel around 50 miles per gallon of gas. a state passes a law relaxing this requirement so that cars only need to travel around 30 miles per gallon.
federal law protects individuals aged 40 and older from age - based employment discrimination. a state passes a law to limit these age - based protections to individuals who are over the age of 60.

Explanation:

1. In the U.S., federal law is supreme in case of conflict with state law. However, states can pass laws that offer more protection or higher standards than federal law.

• For the solitary - confinement example, the state law is more restrictive and protective, which is allowed as it doesn't conflict with the federal law's allowance of solitary confinement in general.
• The minimum - wage example: the state is raising the minimum wage above the federal level, which is permitted as states can set higher labor standards.
• The voting - rights example: the state law is providing additional support for the federal - protected right to vote, which is acceptable.
• The car - mileage example: the state law is relaxing a federal standard, which is likely in conflict with federal law as states generally cannot lower federal environmental or safety - related standards.
• The age - discrimination example: the state law is limiting federal protections, which is likely in conflict with federal law as states cannot reduce federal anti - discrimination protections.

Answer:

1. For the solitary - confinement scenario: State
2. For the minimum - wage scenario: State
3. For the voting - rights scenario: State
4. For the car - mileage scenario: Federal
5. For the age - discrimination scenario: Federal