1. Article VI National Debt, Supremacy, and Oaths of Office By Esther Lui and Gabrielle Field

2. Overview Article VI’s theme is legalization…it legitimizes the power of the Constitution and the federal government. It is the last article before the ratification overview and signatures Ties it all together It’s kind of like the “Miscellaneous” section: it states important factors that do not fit in anywhere else.

3. Section 1: National Debt “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.” Basically, any debts that existed prior to the ratification of the Constitution are still valid and must be paid.

4. Section 2: Supremacy Clause “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 Constitution and all of its inclusive laws are supreme over state laws in all U.S. territories Judicial decisions are to be made on the basis of the federal laws (if applicable)

5. Section 3: Oaths of Office “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.” Federal and state officials are bound by oath or affirmation to support the Constitution and its laws No religious test can be issued to determine qualification for office

6. How does it affect me? Section 2: Gibbons v Ogden – federal law trumped NY state law Clause 3: saying “so help me God” in oaths AND swearing on the Bible in court is optional

7. Fin