NAEP US History Grade 12

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 supports the