Montana Law ARTICLE I COMPACT WITH THE UNITED STATES
Montana Constitution – Article I: Compact with the United States outlines the foundational agreement between the State of Montana and the United States government. Here's a summary of the key points of Article I – Compact with the United States:
Montana Constitution – Article I
Compact with the United States
Text Summary:
This article affirms that Montana, upon its admission into the Union, agreed to a compact with the United States. The compact includes the following core commitments:
Supremacy of the U.S. Constitution:
Montana acknowledges the supremacy of the Constitution of the United States and all laws and treaties made under it.
Equal Footing Doctrine:
Montana is admitted into the Union on equal footing with all other states.
Public Land and Indian Lands:
The state disclaims all right and title to unappropriated public lands owned by the United States and to Indian lands.
These lands remain under the control of the federal government unless legally disposed of.
Religious Freedom:
Montana agrees that no law will be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof (echoing the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution).
Schools and Education:
Montana commits to not using public land funds for religious or sectarian schools.
Purpose and Significance:
This article acts as a formal statement of Montana’s obligations and commitments under the terms of its admission to the Union. It reinforces state-federal legal harmony and protects civil and religious liberties, aligning Montana's laws with constitutional federal standards.
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