Article Four of the United States Constitution

Article Four of the United States Constitution. It outlines the relationship between the individual states and the federal government, as well as the relationships among the states themselves. This article contains several critical clauses that ensure the union operates as a cohesive nation while respecting state sovereignty. It also establishes the framework for admitting new states and the federal government's obligations to the states.

Text of Article Four

The text of this article is divided into four distinct sections. Section 1 mandates that each state must recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. Section 2 outlines the rights of state citizens, the process for extradition, and the Fugitive Slave Clause. Section 3 grants Congress the power to admit new states and to govern territories. Finally, Section 4 guarantees every state a republican form of government and promises federal protection against invasion and domestic violence.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

The Full Faith and Credit Clause requires each state to recognize and honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. This principle was crucial for creating a stable national legal environment following the Articles of Confederation. Landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Mills v. Duryee and Fauntleroy v. Lum, have interpreted the scope of this clause. It is foundational for the recognition of legal judgments, including marriage licenses and child custody orders, across state lines, though Congress has the power to prescribe the manner of proof for such records.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

The Privileges and Immunities Clause prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states in favor of its own. This clause was interpreted in the seminal case of Corfield v. Coryell, where Justice Bushrod Washington outlined the fundamental rights it protected. Later, the Fourteenth Amendment introduced a similar clause applicable to state governments. Key cases like Paul v. Virginia and Toomer v. Witsell have further defined its application, particularly regarding access to courts, property rights, and commercial activities, ensuring a baseline of equality for all U.S. citizens traveling between states.

Extradition Clause

The Extradition Clause provides a mechanism for the return of persons charged with treason, felony, or other crimes from one state to another. This process, also known as rendition, is intended to prevent states from becoming sanctuaries for fugitives. The Supreme Court case of Kentucky v. Dennison initially limited federal power to enforce the clause, but this was overturned by Puerto Rico v. Branstad. The related Fugitive Slave Clause, rendered obsolete by the Thirteenth Amendment, previously required the return of persons "held to Service or Labour."

Admission of new states

This section grants Congress the authority to admit new states into the Union. It explicitly forbids the creation of a new state from the territory of an existing one without the consent of both the affected state's legislature and Congress. The process for admission, from territorial status to statehood, has been applied from Ohio in 1803 to Hawaii in 1959. Notable controversies, such as the Missouri Compromise and the admission of West Virginia during the American Civil War, tested the limits of this constitutional provision.

Federal property and territorial guarantees

Section 3 also gives Congress the power to dispose of and make rules for the territories and other property belonging to the United States. This includes authority over national parks like Yellowstone and military bases such as Fort Bragg. Furthermore, Section 4, known as the Guarantee Clause, assures each state a republican form of government and promises that the federal government will protect them against invasion and, upon application of the state legislature or executive, against domestic violence. This clause was invoked during events like the Dorothy Rebellion and the Pullman Strike. Category:United States Constitution