Honors U.S.

History 2008/09 Name:

Mr. Irwin
Week 6 Period:

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

• immunity

• extradition

• amend

• 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
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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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