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Before war began, the seceded states could have rejoined the union, and enjoyed slavery constitutionally protected in every state where it existed, and per the Supreme Court, could carry it to any territory, IF that was their sole desire.

But why would they want to? They had already split off and formed their country, they had implemented a constitution that guaranteed the protection of slavery everywhere in the confederacy and any future territory they may acquire, and also took steps to protect slave imports. All that and they didn't have to share power with Yankees. Why would they want to return?

Lastly, tariffs were very important, enough that the Confederate Constitution prohibited tariffs designed to 'promote or foster any branch of industry', and also prohibited appropriations for 'any internal improvement intended to facilitate commerce' other than navigation (buoys, lighthouses etc).

One of the first acts of the confederate congress was to implement a tariff which protected tobacco and naval stores. But then who was going to uphold the constitution, a supreme court?