Oh now we're parsing words.  No, the constitution is not a treaty.   
It WAS a compact between several states.  The compact being made on  
the notion of self-governance and popular sovereignty.  Nobody  
seriously questioned the Constitutionality of the right of secession,  
just some people didn't like it and so made up new notions like "a  
higher law" and "perpetual union."

On Jun 30, 2008, at 11:44 AM, Paul Finkelman wrote:

> of course they can be amended and the other parties can agree or  
> the treaty can end.  That happens all the time; but the  
> Constitution was not a treaty.
>


______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html