What does the Constitution say about debts contracted before the adoption 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:

  • The Supremacy Clause
  • Requirements for Government Officers

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 Under the Articles, state laws superseded federal law.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.

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Clause 1. Validity of Prior Debts and Engagements

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.

  • Prior Debts

Clause 2. Supremacy of the Constitution, Laws and Treaties

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 not with standing.

  • National Supremacy
    • Marshall’s Interpretation of the National Supremacy Clause
    • Task of the Supreme Court Under the Clause: Preemption
    • The Operation of the Supremacy Clause
      • Federal Immunity Laws and State Courts.
      • Priority of National Claims Over State Claims.
    • Obligation of State Courts Under the Supremacy Clause
    • Supremacy Clause Versus the Tenth Amendment
    • Federal Instrumentalities and Personnel and State Police Power
    • The Doctrine of Federal Exemption From State Taxation
      • McCulloch v. Maryland.
      • Applicability of Doctrine to Federal Securities.
      • Taxation of Government Contractors.
      • Taxation of Salaries of Federal Employees.
      • Ad Valorem Taxes Under the Doctrine.
      • Federal Property and Functions.
      • Federally Chartered Finance Agencies: Statutory Exemptions.
      • Royalties.
      • Immunity of Lessees of Indian Lands.
    • Summation and Evaluation

Oath 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.

  • Oath Of Office
    • Power of Congress in Respect to Oaths
    • National Duties of State Officers

What does Article 6 Section 3 of the Constitution mean?

The chief justice shall be elected by the justices of the supreme court from one of their number for a term of five years, and may be reelected for like terms. The vice chief justice shall be elected by the justices of the supreme court from one of their number for a term determined by the court.

What does Article 6 of the Constitution means?

Often referred to as the supremacy clause, this article says that when state law is in conflict with federal law, federal law must prevail.

Who is responsible for all debts made by the U.S. government before ratification of the Constitution?

Article Six of the United States Constitution establishes the laws and treaties of the United States made in accordance with it as the supreme law of the land, forbids a religious test as a requirement for holding a governmental position, and holds the United States under the Constitution responsible for debts incurred ...

What does Article 6 section 2 of the Constitution mean?

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.