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The Constitution of the United States of America
Article VI
Introduction:
Article VI of the U.S. Constitution addresses the supremacy of federal law, the requirement of an oath of office for all government officials, and the prohibition of religious tests for officeholders. It establishes that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, is the supreme law of the land, meaning that state laws cannot conflict with federal laws. Additionally, it mandates that all officials in both the federal and state governments must take an oath to support the Constitution, ensuring a commitment to uphold its principles. The article also emphasizes that no religious test shall be required for holding any office or public trust in the United States, promoting a separation of church and state.
Actual Text:
“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. 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. 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. ”
