U.S. Constitution Article VI. Prior Debts, National Supremacy, Oaths of Office
Article VI of the United States Constitution contains three key clauses that address:
Validity of Prior Debts
Supremacy of the Constitution and Federal Laws
Oaths of Office and Religious Tests
Here is the full text of Article VI and a summary of each part:
📜 Full Text of Article VI – U.S. Constitution:
Clause 1 – Validity of Prior Debts:
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.
Clause 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.
Clause 3 – Oaths of Office & No Religious Tests:
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.
✅ Summary and Key Points:
Clause 1 – Prior Debts
Confirms that the U.S. government will honor debts and obligations incurred under the Articles of Confederation.
Ensures continuity and credibility of the new government formed under the Constitution.
Clause 2 – Supremacy Clause
Most important constitutional principle: Federal law takes precedence over state laws and constitutions.
Ensures uniformity of law across the country.
Establishes that state judges must enforce federal law even if state law conflicts.
Clause 3 – Oaths and Religious Freedom
All public officials must swear to uphold the Constitution.
Prohibits religious tests as a condition for holding public office — a foundational protection of religious liberty.
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