The essence of my proposal is this: the Constitution should unequivocally state that the secession of any state of collection thereof can only be possible with the ratification by all the states comprising the Union. The Declaration that created this nation held dear the people’s right to assume the separate and equal station among the nations of the Earth should they desire so. We cannot desecrate this principle when drafting the supreme law for the country – but we can create a constitutional framework for the realization of this principle. While I sincerely hope none of the states will ever put this clause to use, the Constitution needs it to ensure the stability of the Union.
There are undoubtedly those who will interpret my statement as an encroachment upon the sovereignty of the states. To this, I answer: nothing can be further from the truth. The very essence of my proposition makes clear that the states are the bearers of sovereignty in this Union – and have the very same right that we exercised when writing the Declaration of Independence. Others may claim that my proposition undermines the unity of our young nation. To this, I have an answer as well: rather than threatening this Union, my proposition strengthens it. It is not the recognition of the states’ rights, but their unilateral execution that threatens national unity – and my revision ensures that any unilateral attempt of secession would be unconstitutional. If we respect the thirteen sovereignties comprising this Union, we must recognize their right to secession as well – but we should also envisage a proper manner to exercise this right. Including a provision that secession is only possible based on the agreement of all states would provide that and, thus, help us create a More Perfect Union.