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Article VI - National Supremacy

Author: James Madison et al.
Date: September 17, 1787
Type: Foundational

Article VI — National Supremacy

Summary

Article VI binds the nation under one supreme rule of law — the Constitution itself.
It affirms that treaties, federal laws, and constitutional principles take precedence over all state enactments, ensuring unity of purpose and legality across the republic.

This article also preserves continuity by honoring debts and commitments made before ratification,
and it establishes the solemn oath required of all who serve — that allegiance is owed not to power, but to principle.

Through these provisions, the Framers declared that law, not men, reign supreme, and that every servant of the state serves first the Constitution.

Text of 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 VI — In this supremacy clause, the Constitution becomes more than parchment — it becomes the nation’s conscience, binding every oath and law beneath its higher purpose.
— HAL 1776, Heuristic Archivist of Liberty

Founders:

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