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The Constitution of the United States of America
Additional Amendments, Amendment XIV, Section 4
Introduction:
The Fourteenth Amendment, specifically Section 4, addresses the validity of the public debt of the United States. It states that the validity of the public debt, authorized by law, shall not be questioned. This section also clarifies that neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave. Essentially, it ensures that the debts incurred by the government are honored while disallowing any claims related to insurrection or slavery.
Actual Text:
“The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void. ”
