Article VI:
General Provisions
Summary
The new United States assumes all debts and obligations undertaken by its predecessor. This Constitution and all laws made under its authority, the supreme law of the land. All Legislators, executive and judicial officers must take an oath to uphold the Constitution. No religious test is required as a qualification for service.
Provisions
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VI.1. Prior Debts and Obligations Honored
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 [prior agreement]. (U.S.C. VI.1.}
- Former creditors are assured that the newly formed United States is trustworthy and will honor its obligations.
- Investors, believing that the businesses and enterprises they support will flourish and give them money in hopes of a good return.
- Entrepreneurs, wanting to start or expand a business or industry, will have more of an incentive to do so knowing that the government is stable and will honor its obligations. With a stable government, they can expect customers to buy their products.
- Payment of debts to foreign entities removes any temptation for them to use fraud or military action to collect what they are owed, to renege on treaty obligations or to impose trade barriers.
VI.2. Supreme Law of the Land
VI.2.1. Supreme Law of the Land: This Constitution and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, 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 the Laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding. (U.S.C. VI.2.1.)
- Both domestic and foreign entities are put on notice that no other law or principle supersedes the powers and protections vested in this Constitution.
- All treaties when duly authorized by the Legislature, and laws made under Constitutional authority, also become the law of the land.
- However, any agreement with another nation, attempted by the executive without proper legislative review and approval, is void and has no effect of law.
- Universal laws and consistent procedures, operating throughout the United States and its territories, yield stability for long term progress. Citizens, wherever they may be, can expect similar treatment before the laws.
- State are prevented from over-reaching their authority into areas specifically assigned to the United States.
- The Constitution and laws made in pursuance thereof are supreme only with respect to its delegated powers. The United States has no authority to meddle in areas unauthorized by the Constitution or within the sole purview of the State.
VI.3. Oath of Office Required
VI.2.2. Oath of Office Required: 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. (U.S.C. VI.2.2.)
- This clause reinforces the previous clause giving further protection to the people. All legislators, executive and judicial officers must give their solemn pledge to support and defend this Constitution. Perjury, the breaking of an oath, generally carries stiff penalties, as both to guilt of conscience and punishment under the law.
- Taking an oath to support the Constitution means supporting what is plainly written and intended by its authors. It does not mean to support interpretations beyond its intended meaning.
- United States officers do not take an oath to uphold State constitutions.
- All qualified and capable persons may hold any office or position within the government, no matter what their religious background, belief or practice, including those who practice no religion.
- A religious test would be an instrument of tyranny. Excluding it protects freedom of religion.