[Arkinsaw]

"Perpetual union" was not in the Constitution, but the phrase "to ourselves and our posterity" is in the Preamble. The desire and sense of lasting permanency is there.

If it said, "to ourselves and our posterity regardless of whether they want it, desire it, or if it has been twisted and abused by the 9th Circuit" then I might think that sentiment was there. In reality, our founders real sentiment was that we should have the government that we choose. They were pretty strong believers in self-determination.

[capitan_refugio]

Okay, then consider this from Texas v White (1869):

The Chief Justice writes ... "The Union of the States never was a purely artificial and arbitrary relation. It began among the Colonies, and grew out of common origin, mutual sympathies, kindred principles, similar interests, and geographical relations. It was confirmed and strengthened by the necessities of war, and received definite form, and character, and sanction from the Articles of Confederation. By these the Union was solemnly declared to "be perpetual." And when these Articles were found to be inadequate to the exigencies of the country, the Constitution was ordained "to form a more perfect Union." It is difficult to convey the idea of indissoluble unity more clearly than by these words. What can be indissoluble if a perpetual Union, made more perfect, is not?"

In this case the Court ruled that unilateral secession was impermissible and unconstitutional. It is settled case law.