We hold, that on their separation from the Crown of Great Britain, the several colonies became free and independent States, each enjoying the separate and independent right of self-government; and that no authority can be exercised over them or within their limits, but by their consent. It is equally true, that the Constitution of the United States is a compact formed between the several States.-From "Address to the People of the United States," issued by the South Carolina Convention of 1832This passage highlights a tension between