Overview
This lecture explains Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution, which structures the relationships and responsibilities between states and the federal government to create a unified nation.
Purpose of Article 4
- Article 4 establishes the practical framework for federalism, balancing power between states and the federal government.
- The framers wanted a strong central government while preserving the importance and autonomy of the states.
- Checks and balances operate not only between government branches (horizontal) but also between state and federal governments (vertical).
- States are intended to act collectively for national interests like trade and defense, avoiding harmful individualism.
Section 1: Full Faith and Credit Clause
- Requires each state to recognize and respect public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.
- Court judgments, marriages, and legal decisions valid in one state must be honored in every other state.
- Prevents chaos that would result if states refused to acknowledge each other's legal decisions.
Section 2: Privileges and Immunities Clause and Fugitive Slave Clause
- Guarantees citizens of each state the same privileges and immunities as citizens in every other state (e.g., right to travel, equal treatment).
- States cannot restrict the rights of citizens from other states or discriminate against them.
- The Fugitive Slave Clause required that escaped slaves be returned to their owners; this was a compromise with slavery in the original Constitution.
Section 3: Admission of New States
- Provides the process for admitting new states, with Congress having the authority to approve new entries.
- New states cannot be formed from existing states or by merging states without consent from the involved states.
- Uncertainties existed regarding acquiring foreign territories (e.g., Louisiana Purchase), but Congress approved such actions.
Section 4: Guarantee Clause
- The federal government guarantees each state a republican (representative) form of government.
- The U.S. must protect states against invasion and domestic violence.
- States cannot adopt non-republican forms of government, even by popular vote or constitutional amendment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Federalism — shared governance between state governments and the federal government.
- Full Faith and Credit Clause — requires states to honor the public acts and judicial rulings of other states.
- Privileges and Immunities Clause — ensures citizens receive equal treatment in all states.
- Fugitive Slave Clause — mandated return of escaped slaves to their owners (now obsolete).
- Republican Form of Government — representative government based on majority rule.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Article 4 in the U.S. Constitution.
- Explore additional resources at the National Constitution Center and Khan Academy on U.S. government and politics.