There is a natural right to self determination. The Constitution has no mechanism for secession. The Constitution can only recognize natural rights, it cannot grant or withhold them.
“There is a natural right to self determination. The Constitution has no mechanism for secession. The Constitution can only recognize natural rights, it cannot grant or withhold them.”
I very much agree with your point here. We declare the right of self-determination self-evident in the Declaration of Independence and give conditions (i.e. “a long train of abuses and usurpations”) for replacing them. But there has always been the understanding that the Union is permanent. Even the Articles of Confederation assert the permanancy of the Union multiple times. Presidents have asserted the right of the federal government to forcibly hold the Union together from the beginning. I enjoy the discussion, but in reality, seccession is a matter for the armed populace not constitutional ciations. It is a self-evident truth recognised in the 2nd amendment.
“The Constitution has no mechanism for secession”
Meaning under the 10th Amendment, it was left to the states to decide. If a power is not specifiacally granted to the Feds, it remains with the states. It’s in plain english.
That is why the constitution only discusses how a state may join the union. When it may leave is automatically left to the state.
The natural right to self determination can be expressed by voting, by moving, by preaching and by teaching.
Some of the powers of sovereignty are expressed through government, and require collective action to have effect.