What if I Held Up a Sign That Says… Dissolve the Federation?
So, what if I held up a sign that says 'Dissolve the Federation'? Wouldn't that catch some ignorant responses? That's certainly a possibility, especially given the prevailing misconceptions about the nature of the United States.
The Myth of Union
Firstly, contrary to popular belief and scholarly consensus, the United States is not a union. This fundamental misunderstanding is quite common, likely due to the phrasing and historical context. A union, by definition, implies a single, unitarian government; the United States is instead a federation, meaning it is composed of sovereign countries that are united by a treaty or contract, which is the Constitution.
A Federation of Sovereign Countries
The correct wording for your sign could be “Dissolve the Federation.” The term 'federation' reflects the true nature of the United States, where a central government has limited and prescribed powers. The powers of the federal government are few and defined, while the states retain numerous and indefinite powers:
“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce, with which last the power of taxation will for the most part be connected.” – Federalist No. 45
The operations of the federal government are most extensive and important in times of war and danger; however, in times of peace and security, those powers largely pertained to the state governments. The Constitution clearly delineates the federal government's role as a governing body of the federation, not as 'the' government.
The Crisis of Ignorance
Unfortunately, few seem to understand the true nature and structure of the federal system. Articles 7 of the US Constitution, for instance, made the Articles of Confederation and the Perpetual Union clause therein null and void. There is no specific clause that delegates any power to the federal government to prevent a state from seceding, and none that explicitly prohibits it. The 10th Amendment states:
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
This amendment underscores that the federal government has limited authority, and states retain their sovereignty.
The Perspective of Ignorance
Given the lack of understanding of these fundamental principles, it's quite probable that you would encounter a lot of ignorance in your quest. Some might dismiss these arguments as outdated or irrelevant, while others might cannot comprehend the nuanced division of powers.
Conclusion
The United States is fundamentally a federation of sovereign states, a structure enshrined in its Constitution. The federal government's powers are defined, and state sovereignty remains intact, including the possibility of secession. Understanding this requires a careful reading of the Constitution and an appreciation for the complex and intended design of the federal system.