1. The Constitution: Articles IV-VII (4-7)

2. Article IV (4) Concerns the States
All states will honor the laws of other states.
Examples:
If you get married in one state you are considered married in another.
Convicted of a crime in one state you are still guilty in another, etc.
Citizens in each state are treated equally.
Criminals must be returned if they flee to another state.
New states can be admitted (with some qualifications)
Ensures a republican government for all states.
Sorry Kings you’re out!
Ensures the government will protect the states against foreign or domestic invasions & revolutions

3. Article V (5)
Concerns Amending the Constitution (adding things to the Constitution or changing things).
Proposed by 2/3rds of both houses or by a national convention.
3/4ths of the states must agree.
Examples (banning alcohol, allowing women to vote, giving slaves freedom).

4. Article VI (6) Concerns the United States itself
Government will assume all debts entered into by the U.S. under the Articles of Confederation.
Supremacy Clause
Laws passed by congress are the “supreme Law of the Land”
The Constitution and federal laws are supreme when in conflict with those of other states.
Requires all officers of the U.S. to swear an oath of allegiance to the U.S. & the Constitution when taking office.

5. Article VII (7)
Details the method for ratification of the Constitution (making the Constitution law).
Nine of the thirteen states had to accept it before it could go into effect.
This would lead to problems!

6. Constitutional Clauses

7. Supremacy Clause Article VI Section 2
The Federal Law (US Constitution) is above all State Law
States cannot make laws that conflict with US law

8. Necessary & Proper Clause AKA: Elastic Clause
Article I Section 8 Clause 18
Gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary to carry out their expressed powers
Ex. Congress can print paper money
This is the foundation for all implied powers of Congress

9. Full Faith & Credit Clause
Article IV Section 1
States must recognize the public acts, records & judicial proceedings of every other state
Ex. Birth certificates & marriage licenses are recognized in all 50 states