"It appears, on the one hand, that the [United States] Constitution is to be founded on the assent and ratification of the people of America, given by the deputies elected for a special purpose; but, on the other, that this assent and ratification is to be given by the people, not as individuals comprising the entire nation, but as composing the distinct and independent States to which they respectively belong. It is to be the assent and ratification of the several States, ( PAY REAL CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ... WALT! ) derived from the supreme authority in each state, - the authority of the people themselves." - Federalist #39 - James Madison
