“It doesn’t derogate at all from self-governance, because the Federal government which reviews state acts is elected by the people themselves.”
Of course it does, because if we need to seek permission to exercise a right, then it isn’t a right anymore. That is pretty basic stuff, but I guess I can’t expect you to understand that, since you are a statist.
The fatal flaw in your argument is that there is no right to do wrong. Never has been. Never will be.
Things always come down to simple right and wrong in the end.
It's the natural, moral law. Which is, of course, the premise of this free republic.
Pretty ironic to see someone championing "states rights" calling others "statists"! ;-)
Regardless, our Founders in 1776, and again in 1787 joined a "perpetual union" which they then made "more perfect".
Yes, they considered "disunion" or "secession" valid and necessary, but only under certain conditions, and never "at pleasure".
None of the conditions considered necessary for lawful secession by our Founders existed in 1860.
But regardless, it was not the Slave-Power's declarations of secession which started Civil War, but rather the fact that they provoked, started and declared war on the United States, while sending military aid to pro-Confederates in the Union state of Missouri.