Article VI

Federal Supremacy and Oaths

Overview

Article VI establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and requires government officials to take an oath to support it.

Prior Debts and Obligations

All debts and engagements entered into before the Constitution's adoption remain valid under the new government.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

State judges are bound by federal law, even if state constitutions or laws conflict. This establishes federal supremacy in cases of conflict between state and federal law.

Oaths of Office

All federal and state legislators, executive officers, and judges must take an oath to support the Constitution
No religious test can be required for any federal office