On the other hand, it most definitely created a compact--which is the equivalent, in the relations between States, of a contract between individuals.
For more on the Constitutional approach to our Federal Government, see Constitutional Overview.
William Flax
A "state" is simply a body politic. A republic is a body politic, and the Constitution established the Federal Republic. Remember Ben Franklin: "What have you created?" "A republic, if you can keep it"?
On the other hand, it most definitely created a compact--which is the equivalent, in the relations between States, of a contract between individuals.
No, it did not. It, by its terms, is a law; in fact, the supreme law of the land. It binds everyone under its jurisdiction, regardless of whether they agree with the law or not. A contract requires the agreement of the parties to the contract to be enforceable.
Further, it cannot be a compact between the states, because it does not derive its power from the states, but from the people. It explicitly states that it was ordained and established by "the people of the United States," not the states. It required the states' participation for ratification, etc., because it incorporated the continued existence of the states. But it was an exercise of the authority of the people.