What's ironic is if the days of 1860-61 were played out today, where South Carolina secedes to form it's own country, the North would be violating the U.N. Charter, a treaty with the world, if it attempted to stop it by military force. This treaty specifically states that self determination is protected from military response. So who would be unconstitutional now since treaties trump?

Article 1
The Purposes of the United Nations are:

2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace;

Article 2

3. All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.

4. All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.

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David Upton