What did Article 6 of the Constitution?

Article VI of the United States Constitution served three distinct and vital functions at the time it was drafted:

1. Ensured that the new government created by the Constitution would pay the debts incurred by the previous government under the Articles of Confederation
2. Established the Constitution, and federal laws made in accordance with it, the "supreme law of the land" 
3. Forbid government officials from being subjected to religious tests as a condition of their position 

The second of these three functions, known as the "supremacy clause," is a fundamental pillar of constitutional law. Essentially, it means that (in most cases) if a federal law conflicts with state law, the federal law "wins."

Learn More About Article VI:

What Does Article VI Say?

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.

The Supremacy Clause

The supremacy clause was a significant change from the Articles of Confederation. Under the Articles, state laws superseded federal law. However, the supremacy clause declares the opposite: that the Constitution is the law of the land, and federal laws take priority over state laws. James Madison argued that this change was needed to balance power between the state and federal governments. He believed that since states were given all powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by Article I and Article II, the country needed a strong federal government to keep the states in check.

Oaths of Office

Article VI requires both state and federal officials to take an oath where they promise to uphold the United States Constitution. That includes state legislators, judges, and magistrates. However, Article VI also bans the use of religious tests or oaths for government office - keeping in line with the Framers' desire to separate church and state.

Our forefathers were wise in knowing that people would constantly attempt to undermine the Constitution and create exceptions to further their own agendas, even through unconstitutional means. Article 6 avoids any treasonous interpretations. 

No state laws should overall federal laws

Article 6 is a way to cover all bases in clarifying that no state or individual can come to a legal agreement that contradicts the privileges and laws laid out within the pages of the original US Constitution (now housed in the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC).

Additionally, Article VI of the Constitution established freedom of religion.

The 6th Article contains three sections and can be better understood when broken down and dissected.

Why Article 6 is Still Important Today

Some might say that our current society is on the verge of self-destruction. Over the past decade, the United States Constitution has been challenged time and time again by those who have no respect for its authority. 

Abraham Lincoln recognized ‘We the people’ are the true masters of Congress.

Contentious issues in the constitution are those from the right to life to the right to bear arms. Many have and continue to insist that the Constitution got it wrong and needs to be upgraded for today.

The eternal life of the constitution

People fail to realize that the United States Constitution was written for all time and is as relevant today as when it was first written.

The Constitution is not a piece of clay made to be remolded at any time for each individual. It is a strong foundation, unyielding to new philosophies and special circumstances.

Wise words from President Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln once said,

“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”

Article 6 declares that all Constitutional Amendments and laws will forever be the final law of America, and no citizens or states will ever change that.

Lincoln emphasized the right of the people to overthrow those who pervert the Constitution, paying special attention to article 6.

Section One of Article 6

Article 6, Section 1 is a formal notification that the United States government initially took the burden of debt upon itself. America had accrued this debt before implementing the Constitution and the separate states coming together in unity. 

In doing so, the United States’ Founding Fathers garnered instant respect for being known as a government that takes care of its own. This initial wave would set the tone for how our nation would handle debts for generations to come.

Henceforth, the United States of America was known as a moral nation that handled its responsibilities promptly and maturely.

Part of Article 6 is that the United States took responsibility for its own debt.

Section Two of Article 6

Article 6, Section 2 contains what is known as the Supremacy Clause. The Supremacy Clause is where the United States Constitution is deemed the Supreme Law of the Land. If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you will respect and abide by the laws set forth within the said document.

Judges and Congress members must abide by the Constitution firmly, and no state law can contradict the Constitution or other federal law subject to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Also, state laws cannot violate treaty agreements made with America – past or present.

United States citizens must recognize the Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Land.

Section 2 declares that while state governments do have the power to create their own laws when necessary, they cannot overlook or negate the Supreme Law of the Land as outlined in the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court.

Section Three of Article 6

Article 6, Section 3 continues the main theme of the ultimate authority of the United States Constitution. Still, it also sets additional provisions for religious freedom within the US federal government.

Federal government officers, including the President, are legally bound to adhere to the Constitution.

Initially, it states that any and all persons who are involved in the United States federal government – be it in the judicial branch, the chief justice, vice president, acting president, president, officer, or those in Congress – are legally bound to adhere to the US Constitution by swearing an oath.

Here, we see the No Religious Test Clause come into play. It states that while taking an oath to abide by the Constitution is required to work in the State, Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches of the United States government, no one should have to take any religious test to be admitted into the government.

Did You Know That England Had a Religion Test?

From approximately 1673 to 1689, anyone who wanted to work in that government had to renounce Roman Catholicism and accept the Anglican doctrine taught by the Church of England. That automatically disqualified protestants and Catholics from working in civil service.

Roman Catholics were disqualified from working in civil service.

By mandating no religious test be deemed to hold a position within the American government, our Founding Fathers, such as James Madison, set a precedent that no man should be judged based solely upon their religious beliefs.

Purpose of Article 6 of the Constitution

“Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.”

– Judge Learned Hand

The United States Constitution was created in order to establish a strong foundation by which all people should be governed. The Constitution’s beauty is that it establishes a base whereby all men truly are treated with equality and respect.

The flag of the United States of America.

In a way, it’s almost comparable to a holy text in that it has stood the test of time, despite how many people have relentlessly tried to change it.

It is our obligation as US citizens to hold onto Article 6 of the United States Constitution like a banner for everyone to read, as people will try to dismiss the liberties and boundaries established within the pages of that document.

Watch the following video on Article 6:

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7 Responses

1. Ken Chase says:

   In the conclusion section, the sentence, “The Constitution’s beauty is that it establishes a base whereby all men truly are treated with equality and respect”. We all know that part of the constitution has never been followed. Donald Trump is living proof that a man is clearly above the law. If you have enough money, you are clearly treated with more respect than the common man.

   1. Susann Terese says:

      You think President Trump is a criminal? Let’s look at the actual criminal that was part of the big steal. Let’s look at how Biden isn’t protecting our borders. 208 thousand people infiltrated America in Aug alone. People are coming from Haiti now. That man is destroying our country. Look how he also just left men behind in Afghanistan for the terrorist to kill. Look how Biden’s generals just gave the Taliban all the logistics of every Afghan that helped us. They will be killed for sure. How about leaving 92 billion dollars worth of military helicopters, planes, guns and ammo. Dude you’ve some nerve to talk about Trump. He protected our borders and never would of left Afghanistan knowing the Taliban was taking over .imbeciles like yourself should never vote as you side with treason

   2. Michael Caraccio says:

      KEN CHASE: Please, instead of spewing vague and unsubstantiated accusations based on feelings, try posting something that is based in fact. That would be great.

   3. Luther Pynas says:

      They all are that’s why need a new government system that will protect our constitution.

2. Michele Martin says:

   Children’s services across the country seem to have their own playbook and their own set of rules. The absolute disrespect for the law and disregard for civil rights of those of us who lack the income to afford an ensure these are adhered to as an American born citizen. They unlawfully entered my home while I was home alone asleep and even admitted during a hearing that she knew there was Noone in any danger at the time. I have not in any way been given anywhere close to a fair trial. I was even completely left out of a very important hearing that I was to attend by law and given the proper zoom link for yet completely left out of and decisions made about my granddaughter that I was denied attendance to. Children’s services expect us to not only follow and abide by all laws, rules, regulations and procedures and do backflips through whatever hoops they throw in front of you and after they have completely traumatized you and your children and grandchildren. I now suffer with PTSD and my granddaughter informed me during our visit today that her nightmares have pretty much gone away now. She’s 8 years old. I can prove that they unnecessarily removed her from our home after unlawfully entering our home but PTSD has caused me to stutter and shake when I try to talk about this. I can not afford an attorney that cares or even dare to fight children’s services. What kind of America is this?

3. Ken says:

   I am a Christian but holy moly this is an aft up world we live in . why are we so divided and not united , the divided states of America is bringing down everyone and everything it ever stood for may God have mercy on the government and everyone that lives in this great country God bless America amen

   What is the main purpose of Article 6 of the Constitution?

   Referred to as the “supremacy clause,” this article declares that the Constitution and the laws and treaties of the federal government are the highest in the land. While state courts rule on state laws, the federal courts can step in and order changes if the state laws go against federal law.

   What does Section 6 of the Constitution mean?

   Section 6 Rights and Disabilities The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.