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Constitution of the United States/Art. VI
Article VI Supreme Law
Overview[edit | edit source]
Article VI establishes that the Constitution, U.S. laws, and treaties made under the authority of the United States are the Nation's supreme law and are binding on state judges notwithstanding any state constitution or law. Article VI also expressly provides that the new U.S. government established under the Constitution remained bound by the obligations of the predecessor governments established under the Articles of Confederation and Continental Congresses. In addition, Article VI provides that federal and state executive and judicial officers as well as members of federal and state legislatures shall take an oath to support the Constitution. Finally, Article VI expressly bars using religious tests as a qualification to hold "any Office or public Trust under the United States." [1]
Clause 1 Obligations of New Federal Government[edit | edit source]
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All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. |
Clause 2 Supremacy Clause[edit | edit source]
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This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. |
Clause 3 Oaths of Office[edit | edit source]
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The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. |