Articles 4, 5, 6, and 7

Article 4: Relations Among the States

·        full faith and credit clause

·        states cannot discriminate in favor of their own citizens

·        extradition

·        fugitive slave clause


Article 5: Methods of Amendment

Proposal                                                                        Ratification

2/3 of both houses                                                          3/4 of state legislatures

conventions called by 2/3 of state legislatures                   3/4 of special conventions

 

Twenty-seven amendments adopted since 1789, only 17 since 1791

 

Article 6: General Provisions

·        validity of public debts contracted under Articles of Confederation (establishing credit of the United States)

·        supremacy clause: the “supreme law of the land” is the Constitution, the Laws of United States passed under Constitution, and treaties made under authority of United States

·        power of national government is superior to the power of state governments

·        officeholders bound by oath or affirmation to support the Constitution

·        no religious qualification shall ever be required as a condition for holding public office

 

Article 7: Ratification

·        ratification by ratifying conventions in nine states required

The Articles of Confederation had required approval of all thirteen states for amendments. Consequently opponents of Constitution claimed it was adopted by revolutionary means.