History, U.s. - Honors - The U.s. Constitution; Articles Iv - Vii

Honors U.S. History 2008/09 Mr. Irwin Week 6

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The Constitution of the United States Articles IV – VII Note: This handout lists key elements of Articles IV – VII of the United States Constitution. I have written it out in plain language that should be easily understood. This handout can be used as a lecture, or it can be used for students, or groups of students to dig deeper. The teacher should make sure that the following definitions (relevant to the study of U.S. Government) are understood by students: •

privilege

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immunity

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extradition

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amend

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republic

Article IV: Section 1 - The Full Faith and Credit clause of Article IV means that all states are to deal fairly with each other in regards to public records and judicial proceedings (making public records available if requested, for example). Section 2.1 – The Citizens of each state are entitled to all privileges and immunities that the United States has to offer. Section 2.2 – There will be extradition within the United States. This is included in the Constitution in order to prevent fugitives from fleeing to another state to avoid prosecution. Section 2.3 - Pertains to runaway slaves who might attempt to flee from one state to another to get out of slavery. Section 3.1 - This section of Article IV describes the process for new states to become part of the United States. Section 3.2 – Congress has the power to get rid of laws, or to make laws relating to the www.mirwin.weebly.com page 1 of 2

territory and property of the United States. Section 4 – The U.S. shall guarantee every state a republican form of government. The U.S. shall protect every state from invasion. The U.S. shall protect every state against internal uprisings.

Article V: Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed upon a 2/3 majority vote of Congress.

Article VI: 1. All debts incurred before the Constitution are valid. 2. All treaties made by the U.S. are the supreme law of the land. Judges are bound to all that is stated in the Constitution. 3. Senators and Representatives and all executive and judicial officers are bound by the Constitution. No religious test will be required as a qualification for any public office.

Article VII: Ratification by 9 of the 13 states shall officially establish the Constitution. The Constitution was signed by all members of the Constitutional Convention who were present on September 17, 1787. * The Constitution was ratified on July 2, 1788. * George Washington was the President of the Constitutional Convention. Hi signed his name George Washington – President and deputy from Virginia.

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