1.4 Hypothetical Question with Sample Answer. This chapter discussed a number of sources of American law. Which source of law takes priority in each of the following situations, and why? 1 A federal statute conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. 2 A federal statute conflicts with a state constitution. 3 A state statute conflicts with the common law of that state. 4 A state constitutional amendment conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. 5 A federal administrative regulation conflicts with a state constitution.