[4CJ]

Ohoh, you are doing a railsplit and ignoring Article I, section 10 - you know, the one which limits the powers of the individual states.

You wrote: "Read Article I, clauses 8 & 9 sometime. They are very enlightening, I assure you, as to the powers specifically reserved to the federal government." I was wondering how Arts & sciences, copyrights and patents, the court system, or titles of nobility could apply.

There are only 3 clauses in Section 10. All refer to states within the union, and none prohibit secession.

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Take Article I sections 8, 9, & 10 in conjuction with Article VI, clause 2.

The states have cannot legally assume powers denied them in Article I.  Furthermore, the very act of secession puts states laws above the constitution (which is a no-no) since the secession ordinance itself is a state law.