United States Constitution Article VI

Article VI

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.

---

Article 6 of the United States Constitution plays a critical role in shaping the nation's legal and political landscape. This pivotal article establishes the supremacy of the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties over state laws, firmly cementing the concept of federalism. Furthermore, Article 6 prohibits religious tests as a qualification for holding public office, reflecting the framers' commitment to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Additionally, it mandates that all government officials, whether at the national or state level, must swear an oath to support the Constitution, ensuring their allegiance to the principles and values enshrined within it. Overall, Article 6 embodies the core principles of the Constitution and reinforces the foundation of the United States' governmental structure.