What does Article 4 of the Constitution require of the states?

Article 4 of the Constitution focuses on the relationships between the states and outlines the requirement that states must give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. This principle ensures that legal decisions, such as court rulings and official documents, are recognized and accepted across state lines, promoting unity and legal consistency throughout the nation.

This concept is foundational in maintaining a cooperative federal system where states honor each other's laws and obligations, reinforcing the idea of a cohesive legal framework within the United States. The clause is particularly important for issues such as marriage licenses, property titles, and judgments from courts, which need to be respected by other states to avoid legal discrepancies and conflicts within the union.

Other choices do not pertain to the specific mandates of Article 4 in the Constitution. For instance, holding a national election is not a state requirement, and while states must submit to federal authority, that concept is more broadly associated with the supremacy clause found in Article 6. Lastly, regulating commerce among states is encapsulated in the Commerce Clause (Article 1, Section 8) and is not related to the obligations specified in Article 4.