Article Four of the United States Constitution

Article Four of the United States Constitution is a key part of the United States Constitution that outlines the relationship between the state governments and the federal government, as well as among the states themselves. It consists of four sections, each addressing different aspects of state powers and functions in the context of the federal system.

Section 1: Full Faith and Credit Clause

Section 1 of Article Four is known as the Full Faith and Credit Clause. It requires that all judicial decisions, public records, and legislative acts of one state be recognized by the other states. The clause ensures that states honor the court decisions and laws of other states, facilitating a sense of unity and legal coherence across the country. For example, if a person gets married or has a will registered in one state, other states must recognize that marriage or will as valid.

Section 2: Privileges and Immunities, Extradition, and Fugitive Slaves

Section 2 of Article Four can be divided into three main parts. The first part, known as the Privileges and Immunities Clause, guarantees that citizens of each state are entitled to the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. This means that a state cannot discriminate against citizens of other states in favor of its own.

The second part deals with extradition of criminals. It requires that a person charged with a crime in one state, who flees to another state, must be returned to the state where the crime was committed upon the request of its executive authority.

The third part, which was rendered obsolete by the Thirteenth Amendment, dealt with the return of fugitive slaves to their owners.

Section 3: New States and Federal Property

Section 3 of Article Four gives Congress the power to admit new states into the Union. It also outlines the process for creating new states and forbids the creation of new states from parts of existing states without the consent of the involved states' legislatures and Congress. Additionally, this section gives Congress the authority to manage federal property and territories.

Section 4: Guarantee Clause

Section 4, often referred to as the Guarantee Clause, requires the United States to guarantee every state a republican form of government. It also promises protection against invasion and domestic violence, upon the request of the state legislature or executive (if the legislature cannot be convened).

Article Four plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power between the states and the federal government, ensuring the rights of states are protected while maintaining a unified national legal system. It embodies the principles of federalism that are central to the structure of the United States government.