[MamaTexan]

Why do you say it wasn’t in the contract?

Then do please show me the part of the Constitution that you believe stipulates payment required for leaving the Union.

And do remember that the first agreement between the States was called the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union...and the States seceded from it at will.

[KrisKrinkle]

“...Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union...”

There you go.

“...and the States seceded from it at will...”

Seceded from what? The change from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution was a change in the form of the general government established by the States in Union.

They were the United States before, during and after the change.

[KrisKrinkle]

“Then do please show me the part of the Constitution...”

The United States predates the Constitution, established it, and could replace it. It’s relevance to the States as a Union is limited.