ARTICLE VI
General Provisions
Summary: The new Domain assumes all debts and obligations undertaken by its predecessor.
This Constitution and all laws made under its authority, become the supreme law of the land. All Legislators, executive and judicial officers must take an oath to uphold the Constitution. No religious test is required as a qualification for service.
Article VI, Sections
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Section VI.1.
Prior Debts and Obligations Honored
Summary: The new Domain assumes all debts and obligations undertaken by its predecessor.
VI.I. Prior Debts and Engagements Honored: All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the [Domain] under this Constitution as under the [prior agreement].
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> Former creditors are assured that the newly formed Domain is trustworthy and will honor its obligations.
> Investors, believing that the businesses and enterprises they support will flourish and give them money in hopes of a good return.
> Entrepreneurs, wanting to start or expand a business or industry, will have more of an incentive to do so knowing that the government is stable and will honor its obligations. With a stable government, they can expect customers to buy their products.
> Payment of debts to foreign entities removes any temptation for them to use fraud or military action to collect what they are owed, to renege on treaty obligations or to impose trade barriers.
Section VI.2.
Supeme Law of the Land
Summary: This Constitution, and all laws made under its authority, become the supreme law of the land. All judges, including Sub-domain judges, are bound to uphold them.
VI.2. Supreme Law of the Land: This Constitution, and the laws of the [Domain] which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the Domain, shall be the supreme Law of the Land. . .
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> Both domestic and foreign entities are put on notice that no other law or principle supersedes the powers and protections vested in this Constitution.
> All treaties when duly authorized by the Legislature, and laws made under Constitutional authority, also become the law of the land.
> However, any agreement with another nation, attempted by the executive without proper legislative review and approval, is void and has no effect of law.
> Universal laws and consistent procedures, operating throughout the Domain and its territories, yield stability for long term progress. Citizens, wherever they may be, can expect similar treatment before the laws.
> Sub-domains are prevented from over-reaching their authority into areas specifically assigned to the Domain.
> The Constitution and laws made in pursuance thereof are supreme only with respect to its delegated powers. The Domain has no authority to meddle in areas unauthorized by the Constitution or within the sole purview of the Sub-domains.
and the judges in every [Sub-domain] shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any [Sub-domain} to the contrary notwithstanding. (U.S.C.VI.2.)
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> The requirements of the Constitution are supreme throughout the land. Privileges and immunities granted by it are guaranteed to all citizens.
> Sub-domain constitutions are auxiliary to the Domain's. Together with the Domain's they, when honored and obeyed, they limit the power of government at all levels. They secure the people's rights and protect them from tyranny.
> Judges are under oath to confine their opinions in support of the Constitution and laws made under its authority.
Section VI.3.
Oath of Office Required
Summary: Senators, Representatives, and all executive and judicial officers of the Domain and Sub-domains must take an oath to support and sustain this Constitution. No religious test is required as a qualification for service.
VI.3. Oath of Office: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several [Sub-domain] legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the [Domain] and of the several [Sub-domains] shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall eveer be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the [Domain]. (U.S.C. VI.3.)
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> This clause reinforces the previous clause giving further protection to the people. All legislators, executive and judicial officers must give their solemn pledge to support and defend this Constitution. Perjury, the breaking of an oath, generally carries stiff penalties, as both to guilt of conscience and punishment under the law.
> Taking an oath to support the Constitution means supporting what is plainly written and intended by its authors. It does not mean to support interpretations beyond its intended meaning.
> Domain officers do not take an oath to uphold Sub-domain constitutions.
> All qualified and capable persons may hold any office or position within the government, no matter what their religious background, belief or practice, including those who practice no religion.
> A religious test would be an instrument of tyranny. Excluding it protects freedom of religion.
Jonathan Elliot: But it is never to be supposed that the people of America will trust their dearest rights to persons who have no religion at all, or a religion materially different from their own. It would be happy for mankind if religion was permitted to take its own course and maintain itself by the excellence of its own doctrines. The divine Author of our religion never wishes for its support by worldly authority.
(IN: The Debates in the Several State Conventions in the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, July 30)