1. Ensuring Interstate Harmony:
* Full Faith and Credit Clause (Section 1): This clause mandates that each state must respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. This ensures legal consistency and uniformity across the nation.
* Privileges and Immunities Clause (Section 2): This clause prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states. It guarantees that citizens of one state have the same privileges and immunities as citizens of another state. This promotes freedom of movement and economic opportunities.
2. Intergovernmental Relations:
* Extradition Clause (Section 2): This clause requires states to return fugitives who are accused of committing crimes in another state. It helps maintain law and order by preventing criminals from escaping justice simply by crossing state lines.
* Guarantee of a Republican Form of Government (Section 4): The Constitution guarantees that each state will have a republican form of government, ensuring a representative democracy in each state.
* Protection Against Invasion and Domestic Violence (Section 4): The federal government is obligated to protect the states against invasion and domestic violence, ensuring their security and stability.
3. State Admission and Territorial Issues:
* Admission of New States (Section 3): This section outlines the process for admitting new states to the Union. It grants Congress the power to regulate territories and to admit new states, ensuring an orderly expansion of the nation.
In essence, Article IV helps create a cohesive and functional union by establishing rules for state interactions, promoting cooperation, and ensuring the security and stability of all states within the United States.