[DiogenesLamp]

An explanation of the basic whys and wherefores of declaring independence.

Let me help you with this.

" to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

This is easy. The only thing required is "consent of the governed."

Once the "governed" have withdrawn their consent, they have a right to form a new government.

Basic freedom right there.

[BroJoeK]

DiogenesLamp: "This is easy. The only thing required is "consent of the governed."
Once the "governed" have withdrawn their consent, they have a right to form a new government."

I agree 100%, that's what you firmly believe.

But, it's not what our Founders said, ever.
What they said instead had everything to do with "a long train of abuses and usurpations", and nothing whatever to do with an alleged unlimited "right of secession" at pleasure.

Indeed, the whole idea of secession at pleasure was anathema to them, as clearly spelled out by the Father of the Constitution, Pres. James Madison:

"...the compact being among individuals as imbodied into States, no State can at pleasure release itself therefrom, and set up for itself.
The compact can only be dissolved by the consent of the other parties, or by usurpations or abuses of power justly having that effect.
It will hardly be contended that there is anything in the terms or nature of the compact, authorizing a party to dissolve it at pleasure."