Article VI of the United States Constitution addresses national obligations, the supremacy of federal law, and the requirement that public officials take an oath to support the Constitution.
Text of Article VI
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.
-Article 6 Section 1 Clause 1
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.
-Article 6 Section 1 Clause 2
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.
-Article 6 Section 1 Clause 3
What Article VI Does
Article VI confirms that debts and obligations entered into before the Constitution remained valid, establishes the supremacy of the Constitution and federal law over conflicting state law, and requires public officers to support the Constitution by oath or affirmation.
It also prohibits religious tests as a qualification for federal office or public trust.
Historical Importance
Article VI is one of the most important structural provisions in the Constitution because it helps ensure continuity between the old system under the Articles of Confederation and the new constitutional government.
It is also the source of the Supremacy Clause, which makes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties the supreme law of the land. In addition, its ban on religious tests for office was a significant statement about public service in the new republic.
Source Note
The wording above reflects the historic text of Article VI of the United States Constitution.