Article 4: The States Explained

Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution explains how the states work together and how they interact with the federal government. It establishes rules for recognizing state laws, admitting new states into the Union, and protecting every state.

Who Is Involved in Article 4?

Article 4 governs the relationship between the federal government and the states.

The federal government is responsible for:

1. Protecting each state if it is attacked by another country.
2. Considering requests to admit new states into the United States.
3. Providing assistance to a state when requested during large-scale violence or emergencies.

State governments are responsible for:

1. Following the U.S. Constitution
2. Recognizing certain official records and court rulings from other states.
3. Working with other states under the rules established by the Constitution.

Congress is responsible for:

1. Approving new states to join the United States.
2. Making rules for U.S. territories and other federal property.

Article 1: Congress Explained

Learn how Congress works, the powers of the House and Senate, and how laws are made in this simple guide to Article 1.

Make It Make Sense ReportsMIMS Reports

What Does Article 4 Do?

1. States must accept official documents and court rulings from other states, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and adoption records.
2. U.S. citizens may travel between states and receive many of the same legal protections as residents of that state.
3. Congress can approve new states to join the United States.
4. The federal government must protect each state if it is attacked by another country.
5. The federal government may send assistance if a state asks for help during large-scale violence or emergencies.

How Does Article 4 Work?

1. If a couple is legally married in one state, that marriage is generally recognized in the other states.
2. If a family moves to another state, documents such as birth certificates and adoption records remain valid.
3. If Congress approves a new state, it joins the United States with the same rights and responsibilities as every other state.
4. If a state is attacked by another country, the federal government is responsible for defending it.
5. If a state asks for help responding to large-scale violence, the federal government may provide assistance.

Where Does Article 4 Apply?

Article 4 applies throughout the United States.

• All 50 states
• State governments
• The federal government
• State courts
• U.S. citizens
• People traveling or moving between states

Why Was Article 4 Established?

After the American Revolution, the states operated with significant independence.

Article 4 established rules to help the states work together as one nation while allowing each state to keep its own government. It created a process for adding new states and defined responsibilities shared by the states and the federal government.

The American Revolution to the U.S. Constitution Explained

Learn how the American Revolution led to the U.S. Constitution with a simple timeline explaining the events that shaped the nation.

Make It Make Sense ReportsMIMS Reports

When Was Article 4 Approved?

Article 4 was written during the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

It became part of the U.S. Constitution on June 21, 1788, when 9 of the 13 states approved the Constitution. The new federal government began operating under the Constitution on March 4, 1789, about 8 months later.