[Rule of Law]

and which law(s) is it that states the preservation of the union?

None whatsoever. On the other hand, the Declaration of Independence says,

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

You won't find any of these pro-Lincoln people quoting that.

[rdf]

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

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You won't find any of these pro-Lincoln people quoting that.

As President of the Declaration Foundation, and a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, I quote it all the time.

Would you like proof?

Cheers,

Richard F.