For the full text of the U.S. Constitution, see Full Text of the United States Constitution.
Article VI of the United States Constitution establishes the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and treaties entered by the United States as the supreme law of the land.
Section 1
Original Text
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.
Meaning
Article VI is often referred to as the "Supremacy Clause" because it declares that whenever state or local law is in conflict with federal law, federal law takes precedence. Article VI also insures that all elected officials must obey and follow the Constitution. Finally, Article VI states that public officials are not required to practice (or pledge allegiance to) a particular religion to hold office.